Don’t like the Treadmill? Five Exercise Alternatives to the Gym
Exercising regularly can be tedious, especially if your workout routine involves going to the gym and logging hours on the treadmill or exercise bike. But not everyone enjoys working out in a gym or running on a treadmill. Why not try a different workout to stave off boredom? Here are five fun, alternative workouts that will get you out of the gym!
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Take a dance class.
Let your inner diva out and start dancing! Dancing is not just for young kids. Many studios offer adult beginners’ classes for many different styles of dance. With ballet, jazz, tap, salsa, hip-hop, modern, and more, there’s something for everyone. Dancing is a great way to get your heart rate up, get rid of extra body fat, and build muscles. The key to sticking with an exercise program is to make it enjoyable. Being creative and finding new ways to break a sweat will help you stay interested. And it’ll save you a trip to the gym.
2. Go ice skating.
Ice-skating improves your balance and coordination as well as tones larger muscles in your legs, butt and core. The calorie burn depends on your speed. Most ice skating rinks offer public skating sessions with ice skate rental included for less than ten dollars. After a few sessions, you’ll be able to skate like a pro, and you’ll get a great cardio workout from just 30 minutes of skating. As a bonus, it’s a great place to bring friends or family for a unique outing.
3. Play tennis.
Tennis is a great sport to lose calories as well as develop strength. The great part about playing tennis is that there are thousands of local public tennis courts available for you to use. Finding an outdoor court at a local park won’t cost you anything, and chasing down tennis balls will give you a great workout. You don’t even need a tennis partner to get out there; you can practice your serve by yourself, or find a partner at the public tennis courts. Serving itsle works your entire body especially your core muscles. Check local listings on websites like Craigslist to find tennis partners.
4. Go rock climbing.
Rock climbing gyms have exploded in popularity, and are available in most cities. Indoor rock climbing is one of the most adrenaline-pumping sports you can do. You can work specific muscles during rock climbing with specific moves. Rock climbing also builds muscle memory. Climbing works your forearms, arms, shoulders, legs, and your core. Sign up for a beginners’ class to get an excellent full-body workout. Most rock climbing gyms will have cheap rental equipment included in the cost of class. You’ll discover muscles you never knew you had.
5. Sign up for yoga classes.
Yoga stretches and strengthens your muscles and challenges the mind and the body. If you pick the right yoga class, you’ll get the physical benefits of a gym workout, plus the relaxation that comes from yoga. Who needs weightlifting? Yoga will tone your arms, legs, and core. Try a class that has “power,” “workout,” or “vigorous” in the description. Most yoga studios have introductory offers that will make classes quite affordable, and many offer mat rental for a few dollars, so you don’t even have to buy one before you try a class.
So if you don’t like getting on a treadmill, try some of these alternatives to the gym!