Stay Active without the Gym

Even though it’s common knowledge that exercising helps build a stronger and healthier body, most people still don’t find the time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that only about half of adults get the 150 minutes a week of exercise needed to stay healthy.

Now this may sound massive, but you can break it down into 30-minute segments, five days a week. And if you don’t want to drive to the gym or don’t have the time, you can still stay active.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

WALK

Walk with friends or take a long morning walk to start the day. Park farther away from the entrance, walk around while on the phone, walk the dog or offer to walk your neighbor’s dog.

HIKE

Make that walk really count by hitting the trails while working out your glutes, legs and core. Make sure you have good walking shoes and a hat.

TAKE THE STAIRS

Elevators are nice but whenever possible, take the stairs. If you have stairs in your home, walk up and down changing the pace to get a good workout.

GET SOME BASIC EQUIPMENT

Resistance bands, a jump rope, stability ball and even light dumbbells can be part of your home workout. Aim for 15 minutes each morning and evening if you are short on time.

BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES

You don’t need any equipment for exercises such as planks, crunches, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks or step-ups.

YOGA

Exercise your body, mind and soul with a few asanas. Twist and fold your way to a strong body as well as improved digestive, lymph and circulation system.

DANCING

Dancing is a comfortable, freestyle way to have fun and get your heart rate up while toning your entire body. You can burn between 150 to 250 calories dancing for just 30 minutes, which is about the same as jogging. Just turn on the music and get moving.