10 Workouts For People Who Don’t Want To Shell Out For A Gym Membership

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At this point in the game, we all know that consistent exercise and taking care of our bodies helps improve our quality of life in multiple ways. But dropping tons of cash on a monthly gym membership? Ouch. We feel your pain.

So why not ditch the depressingly dark weight room and try some workouts on your own? Most of these free workout ideas let you take advantage of the great outdoors just in time for summer and keep your wallet fat and happy. Plus, you don’t need to be a fitness expert to reap the benefits of moving alongside Mother Nature.

1. Just Walk Around

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Let’s start with the easiest item on the list and the one you likely already do. Walking is a simple, low-impact, aerobic activity that benefits your heart, your joints and even your cognitive function. Start your morning with a 30 to 45-minute power walk at sunrise to get your metabolism revving and your mind positively focused on the day ahead. Or if you’re a night owl, make it a sunset stroll and reach that step goal before you hit the couch for the evening. It may not seem difficult, but the payoff of daily long walks really does add up over the course of a week.

2. Zen Out In The Park

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Even yogis get sick of feeling cramped in sweaty yoga studios that barely offer enough room for their unfolded yoga mats. So why not take your practice to the park and enjoy all the space and fresh air? Parks across the country offer free yoga programs when the weather is nice, and downloading a yoga app to follow on your phone is always an option if you don’t feel experienced enough to lead your own vinyasa flow. Yoga is one of the best methods for achieving a flexible mind and body, and there’s just something so soothing about practicing in nature.

3. Browse YouTube

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For workout videos, duh. There are so many amazing fitness professionals online with video after video of premade workouts just waiting for you to give them a try. Tip: search for bodyweight strength training routines specifically since they are ideal for home workouts in small spaces (looking at you, apartment dwellers) and usually don’t require equipment beyond a yoga mat. Workout videos are also a great fitness option for those rainy days of summer that prohibit you from going outside.

4. Get Your Jog On

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Another no-brainer, right? Maybe. But did you know that running outside is actually tougher and more effective than running on a treadmill? There’s no revolving belt offering you that little bit of assistance, and you have to factor in things like random hills and wind resistance. Logging a 30-minute jog a few times a week can work wonders on your aerobic endurance, and you can always throw some sprint intervals in there to up the difficulty and build some strength, too. Just make sure you mix up your route to keep things fresh.

5. Design Your Own Workout Circuit

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For the CrossFit lovers out there, you can easily create a list of five cardio and bodyweight strength moves, set a timer and get to sweating. These circuits are all about functional movements you can do pretty much anywhere, intensity to increase your heart rate and variety to continuously challenge your body. Once you make a few of these circuits, you’ll realize you don’t need to be in class with other people to crush your fitness goals. (We recommend integrating these next-level burpees to really challenge yourself.)

6. Take The Stairs

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Here’s another one you already do, but could likely do a lot more if you just thought about it for a minute. Do you work in an elevator building? Skip it and stick to the stairs on your commute and during your lunch break. Usually opt for escalators? Walk up them instead of standing there waiting for the next floor to come to you. Have a multi-level home? Jog up and down the stairs a few extra times a day just for kicks. You get the idea — stairs are everywhere and a great fitness tool if you just take advantage of it.

7. Jump Around

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Jumping rope is by far one of the most effective forms of cardio exercise when it comes to burning fat, building muscle and protecting your joints simultaneously. And fun fact: just 15 to 20 minutes of jumping rope burns all the calories you ingest when you indulge in that coveted candy bar. Jump ropes are usually inexpensive and can be used virtually anywhere. They’re especially handy for fitness fans who travel a lot. Start with with just 10 minutes of jump rope and feel the burn throughout your legs, arms and core.

8. Go For A Ride

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Biking doesn’t have to be a childhood past time. Use your wheels to commute to work, explore your city and sneak in a low-impact, heart-healthy workout all at the same time. This activity is appropriate for all ages and really helps to lean out your legs (hello sundresses). Plus more and more locations across the country are becoming biker friendly, providing bike lanes as well as bike share programs. Just don’t forget to wear your helmet, and avoid using headphones so you can still be tuned in to any traffic around you.

9.  Hit The Trail

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If you really want to feel a sense of peace after your workout, pick up a hiking hobby. The fresh air is free and helps reset the mind, body and soul after a stressful week. Plus, unstable surfaces challenge your balance, hills build muscular strength and navigating the wilderness challenges your brain in ways your normal routine does not. And if you get really into it, you can make some pretty cool vacations out of hiking trips! Sounds like a winning choice all around to us.

10. Get Playful

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If your crew enjoys being active, harness that power and arrange some pickup games on the weekend. Whether you’re into ice hockey or amateur softball, there’s something special about returning to your playful, childhood roots with your friends and enjoying being active with those close to you. Form bonds, make memories, and break a solid sweat in the process. And who knows, maybe there is a local recreational league worth joining if you guys end up loving your weekly game time.

The moral of the story is that you can truly make your own gym wherever you are so long as you identify an interest, and dedicate the time and energy to it. Find a way to enjoy pushing yourself and connecting with your body, and just go for it.