We all know that exercise is good for us, but it can be hard to motivate yourself to go to the gym. After all, you want to relax after a long day at work, not go to the gym. Often, people also find gym workouts boring and repetitive. This can make it even harder to motivate yourself to go. However, exercising regularly is important, so below are some alternative forms of exercise for those who hate the gym.
Looking for exercises that are gentle on your joints? Yoga focuses on slow, precise movements, and is a great low-impact option. Now, low-impact doesn’t mean easy. You will be surprised at how much the slow movements and deep breathing increase your blood flow. Additionally, you can clearly feel your muscles working as each movement aids in building strength using your own body weight.
With various classes, online videos, and a plethora of poses, every yoga workout can be completely different. This helps to eliminate boredom and increase motivation. Additionally, deep breathing techniques can help you to de-stress, which helps with mental health and sleep.
For those looking to intensify their yoga sessions consider a hot yoga class or paddle board yoga.
Popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, rollerskating is making a comeback, and it is a great workout. Simply skating in circles utilizes almost every muscle in your body and can burn anywhere from 350 to 600 calories an hour. The faster you go and the more movement you incorporate, the better. This is another low-impact cardio workout, as long as you avoid jumping.
If you are going to start rollerskating, it is important to stretch and warm up beforehand to avoid injuries. Consider investing in safety equipment as well. Using knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards can also help minimize injuries when starting out.
The best part of rollerskating as a workout is that you can do it anywhere there is a hard, flat surface. This can include your local park, a waterfront pathway, or even just around the neighborhood.
A barre class focuses on using basic techniques from dance, yoga, and pilates with a barre as a workout. These workouts are designed to work your core, arms, legs, and butt. Classes are primarily cardio-based, with fast-paced movements that stretch your muscles and build strength. The aim is to target specific muscles and fatigue that muscle group before moving on to the next muscle group. These movements are high-intensity, but low-impact.
Benefits of barre class workouts include increased muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, and better posture. These workouts are fun, and fast-paced, and are great for improving cardio health and fitness. The only equipment you’ll need is a pair of sticky socks, so you don’t slip during the fast-paced workout.
Similar to yoga, martial arts require precise movements and focus. Each martial art style varies in movements and techniques, however, all of them target specific muscle groups in each movement. This is what makes martial arts such an effective full-body workout. Depending on the level and style, martial arts can be low-impact, however, it is not recommended for those with joint issues.
If you're looking to improve your fitness while making new friends, BJJ in Townsville is an excellent option. Not only is it a challenging martial art, but it's also a great social workout as most BJJ techniques require practicing with a partner. This can be great for friends looking to work out together, or for those looking to meet more people with similar interests.
Having a dog requires you to walk it every day. But, this can also be a great opportunity for you to get a good workout in. Aim to walk your dog further each day, or week. They’ll love it and it is great for your health as well. Consider taking your dog to new places, like hiking tracks in your area for a variation in walks. You could also let your dog run beside you as you jog or cycle.
By taking your dog with you on walks, you have a purpose and are likely to walk longer. This is because you won’t get as bored or lonely during the walk. You could also consider walking your dog to a dog park, playing with them, and then walking home.
Staying on track with a gym fitness routine can be boring, and difficult. Consider the alternative forms of exercise above to stay motivated and make exercising fun. To vary your workouts consider incorporating several of the above activities into your weekly routine.
