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After so many months in isolation, many people have begun to notice; their favorite clothes feel a bit snug. If you’re one of those people who perfected their baking and brought back cocktail hour, you’re not alone.
Unfortunately, going to the gym is not an option for many people, but you can still get back in shape without a gym membership.
Learn these tips for getting into shape without going to the gym
1. Make a List of Exercises
Before you follow through with any exercises at home, you need to make a detailed plan. You’re more likely to follow through with your home workouts when you establish a full routine.
Start by writing down all of the activities and exercises that interest you. For example, you might want to go on a jog on Mondays, do yoga on Tuesday, and go on a bike ride on Wednesday.
Besides writing down all of your exercises, it will keep you motivated to clear out the area. Find your designated workout area and make sure you have everything you need to perform your routine.
2. Make a Daily Schedule
If you have been working from home during isolation, chances are you had to adjust to your new working environment. It’s important you incorporate your workout schedule to the rest of your routine.
You will feel more motivated to work out when you have a daily schedule. Follow a simple timeline:
- 6 am: yoga
- 7 am: shower
- 8 am: breakfast
- 8:30 am to 9:30 am: answer work emails
- 12pm: lunch
- 1 pm to 4 pm: work
- 5 pm: go on a walk
If you set a daily schedule, you will know how to structure your day and become more productive and successful.
3. Turn Your Commute Into Exercise
Even if the gyms have closed, you can take advantage of every time you have to commute to get a bit of exercise. Making changes to your commute will have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.
If you live a close enough distance to work, why not leave a little extra time and walk to work a few days a week. Even if you live too far, you can still walk part of the way. Simply get off a few stops sooner and squeeze in a nice 20-minute walk.
Do you have an old bike in your garage? Now it’s the time to take it out and use it to commute to work. Going on a bike ride can also be a nice alternative to get your daily cardio.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike — plenty of cities across the country have biking stations for rent that are quite affordable.
4. Embrace Your Home Workout
Although many people would love to have a fully-equipped home gym, not everyone has the equipment or space. Not to mention, buying professional gym equipment is quite expensive.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t think you have space to workout at home. All you need to do is re-arrange the room setup.
If you don’t want to re-arrange furniture after a workout every single day, it might be time to give your furniture a spin. Find ways to permanently move things out of the way.
Keep in mind you only need a space of 5 to 10 feet to perform most exercises.
You can use bodyweight to perform an array of exercises such as lunges, squats, pushups, burpees, and more. All of these can be performed in a small space.
If you want to add a bit of a challenge, you can get a set of bands and add a bit more resistance to your workouts. You can also get a pair of dumbells, which are relatively inexpensive at many sporting stores.
5. Online Fitness Videos and Apps
It has never been easier than ever exercise without going to the gym. There are plenty of people who, under normal circumstances, don’t like to go to the gym.
Even if gyms have opened in some areas, people still don’t want to go back without wide-spread COVID testing.
If you’re one of those people who have no clue how to work out on your own, you can still get a personal trainer in your living room.
There are plenty of workout apps you can download on your phone if you can to know which workouts to do each session. The best thing about these apps is that you can select different plans to fit your needs.
Although most of these apps have free versions, you will have to pay a monthly subscription.
However, if you don’t want to pay, you also have the option to browse free videos on YouTube.
6. Workout Outside
With everyone in isolation, people feel lucky when they get to spend time outside.
Take advantage of the summer season to take your workouts outside. If you live near a park, there are plenty of activities you can do.
For starters, you can bring your yoga mat and have an outdoor session. Also, you can do a HIIT session, play a sport, go jogging or hiking.
Aside from getting your body moving, exercising outside will allow you to get fresh air and soak up vitamin D.
Even though most indoor group sessions have been suspended, there are plenty of instructors who have taken their classes outside. If you do your research, you might find several group classes at local parks such as karate, pilates, yoga, and more.
7. Nutrition is Important
Getting into shape without going to the gym wouldn’t be complete without eating the right foods. While you don’t have to go on a diet to see results, there are simple things you can do to improve your nutrition.
Rather than ordering food, start cooking all of your meals during the week. Make sure you eat a balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruits, and whole grains.
Drink plenty of water and cut out processed foods and added sugars.
Getting Into Shape Without a Gym is Impossible
Now that you know getting into shape without going to the gym is possible, you’re ready to transform your body.
Start by making a daily exercise schedule, set up your home workout area, spend time outdoors, and change your nutrition.
If you enjoyed these tips and would like to learn more about improving your body and mind, check out the rest of our blog.
