June 29, 2021
Are you envious of people who just love to hit the gym? You’re not alone. For many of us, a long run or weight-lifting session just doesn’t have appeal. This begs the question — how do non-gym rats get fit?
If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle but hate the idea of going to the gym regularly, here are five ways to get started:
The cornerstone of staying fit — whether you work out or not — is a healthy diet. Without stepping foot in a gym, you can do wonders for your health by eating right. Reduce the amount of saturated fats you eat and load up on fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Portion control is also important: make a single, balanced plate for each meal and stick to that. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
Walking may not feel like a true workout, but it can actually be an effective cardiovascular exercise. If scheduling a set time to go for a walk seems overwhelming, try working it into your normal routine. Walk to work or to the train station if you live close enough. You can also begin parking further away when you go the store.
Many people are not properly hydrated. Drinking more water can help improve your mood, keep your body functioning properly, and rid it of excess toxins. But don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water — by the time you’re thirsty, you could already have lost two percent of your body’s water content. Challenge yourself to cut back on sugary drinks like soda and replace them with 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water each day.
Each day presents countless opportunities for increased physical activity. If you’re in the grocery store, carry a basket in lieu of a cart. Try taking a bikeshare somewhere instead of a car share. Even vigorously playing with your kids counts as great exercise. It may not feel like a big difference, but making dozens of adjustments to the activity in your day can have a huge impact on your ability to stay fit.
A long hike may not feel like working out, but it can be incredibly beneficial to your health! There’s so much to do in the outdoors: yard work, gardening, biking, or even just playing a game of tag or hide-and-seek with your kids can play a significant role in staying healthy. Pushing yourself to be outside keeps you from being sedentary — just make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen!
When it comes to staying healthy, small, daily changes make an enormous impact. You don’t need to spend an hour in the gym or on a treadmill each day to be healthy — just find ways to become more active and make conscious food choices.
