How to stay active without hitting the gym every day

There’s a common misconception that in order to be fit and healthy, you need to frequent the gym several times a week. In fact, there are many forms of exercise you can choose to help improve your health. So, whether you find the gym boring or want to take part in activities that suit your time and interests, here are some great ways to stay active without hitting the gym.

Embrace the great outdoors

One of the best ways to be active is to walk or cycle regularly. Not only does being outside in nature have some excellent boosts for your mental and physical health, but the gentle exercise from walking and cycling is perfect for staying active.

These activities require minimal equipment and can be done anywhere, whether in urban settings or in the countryside. Additionally, it’s a lot easier to fit in a walk or a cycle around your normal schedule. For example, you could take a short walk on your lunch break, followed by cycling to work and back. Alternatively, you could join walking or cycling groups to help build a sense of community and routine.

Utilise home-based workouts

If you don’t want to exercise outdoors, there’s a variety of home-based bodyweight exercises that you can use to improve your fitness. Squats, lunges, push-ups, and sit-ups are some excellent exercises you can do without any special equipment.

If you’re stuck for ideas, there is a wealth of online workouts you can copy at home, available for free or as part of subscription-based content. We recommend setting a regular schedule to help turn your workout into a consistent habit.

Incorporate physical activity into daily tasks

Another key way to help yourself become more active is by adding activity to your standard day-to-day tasks. For example, you may choose to walk or cycle to work instead of driving. On the other hand, some home maintenance tasks, like cleaning and gardening, can serve as effective workouts.

Ensuring you do this regularly can help you become more active, improving your mental and physical health.

Join community sports

Being active by yourself can be difficult, so if you struggle with this, then you should join a local club. Not only do sports and classes help to keep you fit and active, but they also provide a social element, which helps to keep you engaged.

Of course, the sport or activity you join might need certain equipment. A high-quality cricket bat is a must for any cricketer, while footballers need shin pads and boots. Some clubs and classes might have equipment you can borrow, but nothing beats investing in your own gear.