There are many ways to exercise than going to a gym or participating in a fitness class. You can continue your fitness journey at home or in your neighborhood with these alternatives.
The Outdoors Are Calling
Running and walking is a great cardiovascular exercise and can boost your immune system. It’s also an anti-stressor and a mood-lifter that can help you sleep better at night. Whether you are a runner or walker, the benefits still apply. Put those running shoes on and enjoy the weather.
Get away from it all and take advantage of hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Before you head out, eat a hearty breakfast and snack throughout the day—even if you don’t feel hungry. Be prepared by making sure you know where you’re going and let someone know your plans. Your body needs a lot of water during exercise, especially at higher altitudes. Weather can also be unpredictable in the mountains, so be prepared with warm layers and a raincoat.
Biking is another great way to exercise while enjoying the outside scenery. Before you hit the pavement or trail, check your bike for faulty parts and inspect your tires for proper inflation. Stretch before riding, fuel your body with a healthy meal or snack, and hydrate properly. Wear protective gear including a helmet, sunglasses, and gloves.
Focus on the Mind and Body
In stressful times, it’s good to find a moment to take a break and make time for yourself. Some of the health benefits of meditation include stress reduction, lower blood pressure, increased immunity, and brain development. You can meditate anywhere and anytime. Meditation can be refined to meet your changing lifestyle and time demands.
Yoga can help decrease stress, loosen tight muscles or joints, increase flexibility, and enhance mental and emotional health. It imposes self-discipline and offers a simple and rewarding way to get in touch with your own vitality.
Create Your Own Workout at Home
Many workouts can be done without gym equipment. After sitting down and writing out a plan, all you need is an open space, a timer, water bottle, and your body—that’s it. Here are some exercises you can include:
- Front plank and side planks are a great core exercise. The goal is to hold it for one minute. Depending on your strength, you can either hold the plank on your toes or your knees.
- Push-ups workout the shoulders and core. Tricep push-ups work the backs of your arms.
- Squats are great for the quads and will get your heart rate up.
- Heel Lifts work the back of your calves.
- Crunches focus on the abs.
- Burpees, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, and butt kicks are good exercises to get your heart rate up.
Invest in Low-Cost Workout Gear
- Dumbbells are good for strength training. There are many ways you can incorporate dumbbells into your exercises for both beginner and advanced exercisers. Various weight options allow exercisers to choose a dumbbell based on their strength ability.
- Stability balls target your muscles as you work to balance on them. They are great to add intensity to floor workouts and are good for working out abdominal and back muscles.
- Jump ropes target many muscle groups and offers the complete workout. There’s a reason why many boxers, wrestlers, and athletes use them.
- Resistance bands can provide muscles with the same workout as a set of weights. It’s a great choice for those who want a quick, efficient way to work out or those who are in need of physical therapy.
- Kettlebells come in various weights and can be used for strength training, cardio, and stretching. They can be used to target various body parts including the core, arms, legs, glutes, and back.