I am one of those people who has always struggled with the idea of working out at the gym. To me, it’s smelly, boring, and intimidating! I just don’t care about having that ripped beach body. I always feel kind of silly trying to figure out the weight machines and other equipment. I don’t mind the bike machines and treadmills, but it is hard for me because I would SO MUCH RATHER exercise on my own, away from observers, and in more preferable scenery.
Finally last year it clicked that I didn’t have to work out at the gym in order to be fit. I didn’t have to go running either. There are so many different and FUN options for keeping an active lifestyle.
So here we have FIVE FUN EXERCISE IDEAS that don’t include working out at the gym. Enjoy!
Bike
I love riding my bike to the grocery store and to work. I think this is an awesome exercise because it only adds a few minutes on to the travel time I already had to do… but 10 extra minutes of travel means 20 minutes of being physically active rather than sitting even more. I find that it’s helpful to find small trips like this and convert them to walking or biking… even taking the bus (which allows for a bit more walking than driving straight there). We are stuck in such sedentary lifestyles these days! And not only does this replace a small bit of our sitting with activity, but it also helps our happy earth 🙂 . So save the air… ride your bike or walk instead of driving 🙂
Aside from riding your bike on errands, I absolutely love finding beautiful bike trails! Wherever you live, maybe try researching to see if there are some nice bike trails nearby. Then you can enjoy some natural beauty while also getting your daily exercise in 🙂
Playing Sports
This has never been my forté, but Carter convinced me to start playing soccer with him after I gave him a soccer ball for his birthday last year. I must say I have come to truly enjoy it.
So if you have always said no to sports, try something new! Some favorites that I’ve just barely started enjoying in the last few years (and may still be pretty terrible at) include racket ball, Frisbee, and soccer. I have also found that I love volleyball when it’s not competitive. So try something new and give sports a chance if you never have!
Hike
This has been a favorite for a long time. If it were me I’d live outside and hike through the mountains to get to school and work if I could 😉 I think Carter and I need to live in a secluded mountain cottage! But really… there is so much beauty to be found, and such variety. Even a small hike is a beautiful, easy way to get some physical activity in. Plus, the fresh air and views are so healthy for your soul as well as your body… in my opinion 🙂
Swim
While for me I still debate whether to consider this “fun”, it is definitely a great alternative to the gym!
I finally plucked up the courage to enroll in a swim class last fall, after only ever knowing the “doggy paddle”. It was exciting to finally learn some real swim strokes and see myself (slowly) progress. This is a great gentle exercise that also washes away the sweat as you make it… so you don’t even look sweaty at the end! (if that’s an issue for you 😉 . While I’m still pretty bad, I’m glad I finally gave this one a try 🙂
Yoga
This has been a favorite for quite some time, but my practice has varied so much over the years. On my mission it consisted of laying on the floor stretching one leg at a time, sleepy-eyed and trying hard not to fall asleep. Some awesome yoga teachers (and recovering from my mission) helped me better form my own practice… only to have it rethought all over again as I began my yoga minor. I don’t think yoga was intended to be an exercise, and the westernized version of yoga class appears far from what the yogis invented. But regardless of how you practice, it is a wonderful start to your day. A good way of warming your body up and preparing for what’s coming. And you can do what you want with it. I have taken slow-moving yoga classes and others where my abs were on fire. So do what you want for it… there are endless ways to practice yoga! Whether you sign up for a class, watch yoga youtube videos, or guide yourself, yoga is a great gentle way to increase your physical activity.
Take a Fitness Class
This can be such a fun and social way to get yourself involved in exercise. There are so many classes these days… I know people who have said they especially love Zumba and Spinning. I haven’t tried either of these out, but for me, yoga classes have always been a good way to keep me accountable to my workout. If I know I’m going to class however many times a week, I know I’m at least working out out on those days! It makes it easier to supplement with my own routine on the other days of the week 🙂 Don’t want to pay for the class or be seen by other eyes? Try some free workout videos on YouTube!
Water Sports
This is one of my absolute favorites, although I don’t get to do them nearly as often as I would like. Water skiing, wake boarding, and tubing give my arms a KILLER workout. Rowing in a canoe, kayaking, paddle boarding… to me, there is nothing better than being active out on the water!
So there are some of my latest finds! And there are more I’d like to try too.. We really want to get into rock climbing. I am also dying to take the paddle board out and do some paddle board yoga (maybe after I lose this pregnant belly 😉 The list goes on with so many options. You don’t have to be “working out” to get exercise. Simply getting away from your desk or couch, or getting outside into the sunshine does SO MUCH for an active lifestyle. Use your car less, use those legs of yours, and get creative. Being active can be so fulfilling and entertaining… so just find what works for you!
How about you? What ways do you find to stay active during the day? What can you do better?
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I love kayaking so much better than going to the gym. Thanks for the post and giving me more ideas.