Whether it’s a matter of money, time, or safety concerns, a gym membership may be out of the question for you. However, that doesn’t mean that staying fit is off the table. With a little bit of planning and researching, home fitness is just one of the many ways that you can support a healthy mind and body. To help you meet the challenge, check out these six tips for staying fit without a gym membership courtesy of Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP.
In addition to that, many of our apartments in Gainesville offer health-oriented community amenities to support our residents’ health. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a tour.
First, decide on what your goals are and the best method to get there. For example, if you want to build muscle, you’ll want to focus on strength training exercises. Ask yourself if you’ll require any equipment for these types of exercises. In the case of building muscle, there are several bodyweight exercises available online that require no equipment, but these will only take you so far before you need to start investing in dumbbells, kettlebells, weighted bars, or home fitness centers. For most of these items, you can stagger purchases over time to help you save money, but this should all be laid out in your fitness plan. You should also set a workout schedule, which should include frequency, duration, and times. Making a consistent exercise plan will help fitness become a routine part of your schedule, similar to brushing your teeth or doing schoolwork.
From blogs to Youtube, there are a plethora of home workouts available for free or minimal pricing. Even your local gym might offer streaming videos without a membership fee. Once you have your goals in mind, do some online research to see what’s available. But don’t stop with online resources. Investing in professionally made fitness videos ensures that your training is led by a certified fitness trainer and gives you the benefit of looking at reviews before committing to any program. There are even apps available that can construct workout routines based on your goals.
Fitness doesn’t just have to be in the confines of your home. If you’re working or going to school, consider walking, jogging, or biking to and from your destination. If that’s not feasible, carve out some time during lunch or class breaks to take a walk in the park or run a flight of stairs a few times to get in your cardio. Use phone calls as an opportunity to walk around or lift weights. If you’re eating out nearby, walk to the restaurant instead of driving. If you’re willing to get creative (and a little bit sweaty), there are numerous ways to fit in workouts throughout the day.
Lots of local parks and beaches have workout equipment available outside. Even if it’s just a mile jogging course, take advantage of the fresh air and sunshine to inspire your workout. There are also lots of sports you can do outside that feel more like play than exercise. Remember that not all workouts need to be constricted to repetitions. Vary up your routine by taking advantage of what’s around you. If you live in an apartment complex that offers community amenities such as a swimming pool, volleyball court, or something similar, get your sweat on that way.
Most gyms and fitness centers promote their services by offering a first-time class for free. Save money and take advantage of these options as much as you can. Not only will this keep your workouts from growing stale, but you might even find a new type of fitness that you love. While you may not be able to afford ongoing classes, trying something in real life under the supervision of a trained fitness instructor ensures that your first time is safe and that you are doing exercises with proper form. Once you have that knowledge, you can take it with you into doing workouts on your own.
Once you get into a regular fitness routine, you’ll probably start making those gains faster than you anticipated. That’s why it’s always important to examine your routine to see what is and isn’t working. If something is causing you pain or is no longer challenging you, you should adjust the intensity accordingly. Focus on changing the types of exercises you’re doing, how long and how often you’re doing them. Trying new exercises not only keeps your fitness from plateauing but also keeps it interesting.