It’s got to that point in the year when all the new year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside and become a distant memory. However, there’s still enough of the year left that it feels like you’re giving up too soon. If you’re full of good intentions but the thought of going to a gym fills you with dread, there are loads of other ways for you to get fit and burn those calories. Some are fun, some are surprising and some are both, so get exercising!
10 – Play fitness video games
The advice to play video games comes with a word of caution: make sure that these are specific fitness-related games. While sitting on the sofa staring at a screen for hours on end can help you pile on the pounds, getting active with a Wii Fit (or something similar) will help you to shift the pounds, instead. The best part is that it’s really fun, and you won’t even realise how much exercise you’re actually getting!
09 – Play with the kids
Exercising and burning calories is all about using energy, and you have ready-made bundles of energy in the shape of your kids! Whether it’s rolling around on the floor with them, going outside on the trampoline, or kicking a ball around in the park, you’ll keep active at the same time as bonding with your kids. This is a great way for you all to exercise and keep fit together! You can lose a surprising number of calories this way, so you’ll soon start to notice a difference.
08 – Ditch your desk chair
‘red ball in the office’ by Weldon Kennedy
It’s no secret that sitting motionless at your desk all day won’t do anything for your fitness, but there are alternatives. If your job allows it, consider making a raised desk which would allow you to stand instead of sit – this will strengthen all your muscles, especially your legs. Alternatively, swap your desk chair for an exercise ball. Having to hold yourself up on something that’s both backless and slightly perilous will improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles in no time.
07 – Cycle to work
‘Morning.’ by Jackie.Ick
This might sound like an obvious, boring suggestion, but it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to get fit without going to the gym. Think of it like riding an exercise bike – but you get to enjoy the outdoors, the fresh air and the views! If you find your usual route to work boring, then spice it up by trying some different roads now and again!
06 – Have fun in the bedroom
‘107/365 – Whichever you prefer’ by Stuart Conner
Grab your partner and head to the bedroom for some fun that’s miles better than going to the gym! Getting jiggy can burn hundreds of calories per session, and all the endorphins that are released make you feel pretty good at the same time!
05 – Put on an exercise DVD
Exercise DVDs are probably the easiest way to get all the benefits of an organised fitness class, but in the comfort of your own home. Choose an instructor or a style that suits you, then move any furniture out the way, and get going! It won’t matter if you need to take a break halfway through, if you only have a few spare minutes to fit in a workout, or if you mess up your steps – after all, there’ll be no-one else there to notice!
04 – Climb the stairs
Whenever you’re in any sort of public establishment, try to take the stairs instead of the escalator. Making such a simple change like this can have a massive impact on your fitness, as you’ll end up climbing several flights of stairs a day. This all adds up, toning your bum and legs with every step!
03 – Walk the dog
Owning a dog is a great excuse to venture out into the great outdoors and get plenty of exercise. Dogs need regular walking, so take it out at least once a day, depending on the size and breed. If you have a small, quiet dog then even having a short daily walk will work wonders! Of course, this idea is great for the dog as well as you; you’ll both get all the exercise that you need, you’ll strengthen your bond, and you’ll have a great time doing it!
02 – Dance
Dancing is an incredibly effective method for getting fit. You don’t necessarily have to join a class to do this: just put on some music and dance around your house! You’ll burn hundreds of calories without even realising it, and you’ll improve your co-ordination, as well. In addition, dancing is a great mood-booster, so you’ll be left looking fantastic and feeling even better!
01 – Do the housework
Kill two birds with one stone by getting started on the housework. Pushing a heavy vacuum cleaner around your house burns more calories than you’d expect, as does scrubbing floors, cleaning the bathroom, dusting, and pretty much any other chore you can think of! Somehow, all that housework doesn’t seem quite so arduous when you realise all the benefits you can get from it!