We all want to live healthier lifestyles and have better-looking physiques, but not all of us are enticed by the idea of going to the gym to workout. Whether it’s the fear of being judged for not looking fit, or not knowing how to operate gym equipment, gym phobia is experienced by many individuals in different forms and intensities. That can be very debilitating to the point that most of us simply give up on our fitness dreams.
But you don’t need to go to the gym to get fit and live an active healthy lifestyle. All you need is a pair of cross-trainers, a flat surface, and a few pieces of equipment.
Below are four activities that you can do in the comforts of your own home.
Bodyweight Workouts
Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, sit-ups and planks are all great ways to improve strength and muscle tone without requiring special equipment. These types of exercises work well because each routine involves engaging multiple muscle groups and burning tons of calories using body resistance alone.
There are a number of bodyweight exercises you can do to target specific problem areas, and each routine can be customized to fit your current fitness level.
Yoga
Practiced and developed in ancient India, the countless health benefits of yoga make it a popular method of achieving a healthy lifestyle around the globe. Yoga can be a very good way to improve flexibility and posture without requiring a very large space. All you need is a flat surface and a slip-resistant mat to add yoga to your fitness routine.
With a couple of sun salutations and warrior poses, you’ll be feeling the burn without the pain of high-intensity workouts.
Zumba™
Incorporating the energy, music, and movements of Latin dances to aerobic exercise, Zumba™ is a great way to get work up a sweat while having fun. Because of how popular it is, there are countless licensed centers and instructors around the globe that hold Zumba™ classes online.
All you need is a stable internet connection and a widescreen TV to build your strength, improve your range of motion, and provide you with a decent cardio workout, without needing to leave the judgment-free space that is your home.
Cycling
Being a low-impact workout, indoor cycling is often overlooked in favor of its more dynamic cousin: running on a treadmill. But for older individuals looking to stay fit, using a treadmill might take a toll on their lower extremities.
Exercise bikes actually offer the same amount of cardiovascular and fat-burning benefits without placing a huge strain on your lower limbs. And because of the way that exercise bikes work, indoor cycling helps improve joint mobility, which is especially beneficial for those suffering from joint pain.
And unlike most automated treadmills, an exercise bike is easier to use and control, since you can manage its speed based on how fast you pedal. There are limitless possibilities as to what stationary bike workouts you can do on an exercise bike.
Creating a holistic fitness plan that incorporates one or all of these exercises together with a solid nutrition plan will definitely help you reach your health and wellness goals without ever having to visit a gym.
