5 Ways to Get Fit Without Joining/Going to the Gym

By Victoria Robertson on February 4, 2019

As January comes to an end, so to do most individuals’ New Year’s resolutions to “get fit” or “be active.” One of the most abandoned resolutions ever, the fitness-related resolution is problematic in that it requires individuals to change their lifestyle drastically in a fast manner, a goal that isn’t realistic or attainable in most circumstances.

In addition, going to the gym/joining a gym costs time and money, both of which are easy deterrents for many active individuals.

So how do you beat this slump and ensure you’re still achieving your resolution? Here are 5 ways to get fit without joining/going to the gym.

Photo Via: Pixabay.com

1. Make Smart Decisions

Essentially, the more you are making conscientious decisions throughout the day, the more likely you are to be increasingly active in your everyday life. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work out for an hour every day, but that you should be making healthier, more active choices in your day-to-day life.

For instance, if your class is on the second or third floor, take the stairs rather than the elevator. If you drive to class, park further away so you have to walk further to get into the building. If you have a break between classes, go for a walk rather than sitting on your couch.

Making these small changes in your life can increase your activity levels drastically, which is a great start to being more fit.

2. Avoid Prolonged Sitting

Many refer to sitting as the new cancer, and there are many reasons for it. For one, when you are sitting, you aren’t active at all, and it’s common for us to sit for prolonged periods of time, in which case we aren’t being active for prolonged periods of time.

Of course, when you’re in class or doing homework, sitting is typically a requirement. However, if you have an after-school job at a desk, get a standing desk to avoid sitting. If you have time between classes, go for a walk rather than sitting in a hallway waiting for your next class. The more active you can be between sittings, the better off you are.

3. Multi-Task

One of the biggest arguments against being active is that it is time-consuming. While it’s true that going to the gym can take up a significant amount of time, it’s false that it’s the only way to be active. In fact, if you can multi-task, being active doesn’t take up any extra time in your day.

For instance, if you’re looking to unwind after classes by watching TV, do so while doing some sit-ups or push-ups. If you’re reading a book for class, do so while performing a mild workout. Multi-tasking is a great way to be active without cutting into your personal time.

4. Work-Out at Home

In addition, if you are looking to start an entire work-out regime, you can do so from the comfort of your own home, apartment or dorm room. Not all workouts require gym equipment, and most workouts can be planned and performed without any equipment at all.

For instance, you can do yoga daily in your apartment for a deep workout, or perform ab workouts at home as well. You can always go for a walk, run or jog around campus if you feel like getting out and have the time to do so. Again, working out at home is a viable option if you aren’t looking to take a trip to the campus gym.

5. Go for a Walk

Finally, and perhaps one of the more underrated workout options, you can always just go for a walk. Whether you go at night with a roommate, between classes while you have some time to kill or on your own for a little clarity and fresh air, walks are a great method to stay active, and they take very little energy on your end.

Walking is very good for you and there are many health benefits associated with it, so going for a walk whenever you get some free time is always a good idea. So if you have the time, go for a walk – you aren’t going to regret it.

Yes, the easiest and most effective method of staying active is to attend the gym daily and renew your gym membership annually. That being said, these memberships can be expensive and going to the gym can be time-consuming and unrealistic, in some cases.

Getting fit doesn’t require a trip to the gym, as proven by these 5 methods of getting fit without a gym membership. That being said, there are plenty of additional methods out there to help you get fit, so be sure to do some research and take advantage of the one that works best for you.

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