Jan107 Ways to Exercise While Not at the Gym
Exercising is one of the best ways to burn fat, build muscle, and be an overall sexy bad ass. The hardest part about it though, is you have to actually exercise. If only working out was easier, then everyone would do it. But, until a company develops a device to help people exercise without exercising, we’ll have to settle for the old-fashioned way for now.
But are you aware that you can exercise without really thinking about it? Well, maybe just a little thinking. In any case, below are 7 different ways exercise without really thinking about it. Note: these activities don’t replace consistent training – but they are a great way to get some extra activity on your off days from the gym.
1. Rock Climbing
This one is probably the most exercise-like activity on this list, but in my opinion it’s also one of the most fun. Rock climbing is a great way to challenge not only your whole body, but your mind as well. Rock climbing is a full-body workout and challenges your mind by trying to solve each ‘climbing puzzle’.
2. Gardening or Landscaping
Have a green thumb? Well, you can build a good-looking garden or yard and body at the same time. Gardening or landscaping (both relatively similar) involve lots of squatting, stooping, lunging, torso rotation, and picking up items.
3. Changing the Way You Commute
Get rid of traffic and change the scenery on your way to work by changing the way you commute; as long as it’s not too long of a distance, biking or walking can be a get way to burn some calories and unwind before going into work.
4. Hiking
Getting outside and enjoying nature provides not only a decent tan, but plenty of stimulus to your muscles. Hiking will work predominately your lower half, but it’s great cardio as well. Plus, if the sun is out, you’ll get ample amounts of the oh-so-important Vitamin D.
5. Dancing
I’m not much of a dancer myself, but I know many people that love moving their bodies to the music. Anyone who has danced vigorously before knows that dancing gets your heart pumping and your body sweating (clubs are just full of sweaty people if you really think about it).
6. Playing with Your Dog
C’mon, we all know that your dog and you could both use some more exercise. Grab Fido’s leash and head to the park. There are plenty of different active things to do with your dog: explore the neighborhood, go for a run, toss a ball around, or play a game of chase or hide and seek.
7. Cleaning (Vigorously)
This is something we could all do a better job with. And when I mean cleaning vigorously, I mean putting on the long yellow gloves, busting out the supplies and getting to work. Have you ever cleaned out an old, derelict attic before, one full of old totes and boxes and a random assortment of TVs (seriously, why so many TVs)? Let me tell you, an ancient TV from 1995 and a box full of old VHS movies are a lot heavier than they seem.
That’s a Wrap
There you have it! 7 things that don’t seem like exercise but are actually great ways to get extra activity in. While a dedicated workout routine can’t be replaced, no one should have an excuse as to why they are inactive; movement is good for the soul, and without it we aren’t living up to our full potential. So, get moving!