Exercise Tips (When You Don't Belong To A Gym)

Right now, I do not belong to a gym. I can't remember the last time I didn't belong to a gym. In Chicago, we were members at an awesome gym and then I decided to try Crossfit. Here in Austin, I never got around to joining a gym because I didn't want to spend the money and was sort of on the fence about a regular gym vs. Crossfit. It was difficult for me in the beginning to make time for workouts and then to actually push myself while doing them. I have been working from home, so I don't have that typical routine that would motivate me to workout before/after work or get to a class at a certain time. It took a little work, but I've found a few ways to trick myself into getting more exercise each day.

Nike Training Club App - This app is great and best of all, free. The app has a ton of different workouts ranging from 15 to 45 minutes at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. I like these workouts because I don't have to think about what I'm going to do or what's next. If you're unsure on how to do a move, there are little video tips that show you how. The workouts are tough and since it's in my ear telling me what to do, I usually push myself a little harder.

Walk Everywhere You Can - Well.. confession. I also don't have a car so I have no choice! But, I'm determined to not let that keep me from getting out and about the neighborhood. Walking is a great way to get in extra activity each day. Even if I did have a car, I'd still choose to walk to the CVS that's 0.7 miles away. There and back you've burned approximately 150 calories which is about equal to a glass of wine or a cookie. I'd probably eat that cookie anyway but this way I've given myself a chance to burn it off.

Race Yourself - We live on a really large block that is about 2 miles around. I started to time myself running around the block, and trying to meet or beat my time I each run. The timer keeps the same old route from getting old and motivates me to push a little harder each time I run. I'm also able to determine if I'm getting in better shape by how fast I'm running the 2 mile square.

Nike Fuel Band - This device is something you wear on your wrist as a braclet and it tracks your movement throughout the day. Your movement is calculated into Fuel Points, which is something that Nike made up. I'm not totally sure how it's calculated, but a typical day for someone like me would have a goal of 2000 points. When I was living in Chicago, working out of the home and going to Crossfit, I'd hit anywhere from 2800-3000 each day. Now, I'm barely making it to 1700 each day and that is a problem for me. I'm doing a little more than half of what I used to do. Half! That's crazy to me. Having the Fuel Band puts a number on my movement each day. If I'm running low on points, I'm more inclined to take a walk after work or go for a run around the block.

Pushups & Planks - These are the best, most efficient exercises I have tried. They are quick and work your entire body. They are exercises that you can do at the gym, at home or in a hotel room if you're traveling. 25 pushups and a 1 minute plank a day will make a difference. It may not seem like it, but it does. It's perfectly fine to start out on your knees too. You'll still feel burn!

 

Eventually I'd like to join a gym, but this is working for now and saving me some money!

Just a general disclaimer, I'm not a professionally trained fitness instructor. These are just things that have worked for me. I think the key to anything is figuring out what works for you. If you have bad shoulders, maybe skip out on the planks & pushups. Bad knees? Go for a bike ride instead of a run. :)

Comments

[Jennifer]

some great tips there! There are so many great sites now that have free workouts it is hard to justify gym cost!

[Melissa Smith]

Great tips! I'd not heard of the Nike app, so I'm going to try it. Thanks!

[Molly]

Its true! Theres a ton on Pinterest alone. The only think I miss about the gym is that held me a little more accountable. But really, thats no reason to spend all that money. Gyms are great if you belong to them, but its also okay if you dont.

[Molly]

Thanks. That app is a good one!

[Andrea Kuenzel]

thanks! I don't belong to a gym and just got myself a treadmill since its -20 outside with too many feet of snow!

[Molly]

Yikes! Treadmill is a good idea. Or maybe cross country skiing?? ;)