How to stay fit without hitting gyms or yoga centers? - part 2

How to stay fit without hitting gyms or yoga centers?

Howdy guys! This is the second part of the post, "How to stay fit without hitting gyms or yoga centers?" Click here to read part one.

Well, there are a lot of fun workouts and activities to stay fit that I was not able to list down in just one post. And, frankly speaking, I cannot list the remaining all in this post as well. Although not all, these are a few other fun activities and workouts that you can do to stay fit.

1. Hit the slopes

Did you enjoy sliding at playgrounds when you were a kid? If you did, then you can hit the slopes back to stay fit. Not the slides at playgrounds, but you can ski down a hill. Skiing and snowboarding are both great ways to enjoy the outdoors and stay fit while enjoying. They are both great at providing resistance, balance, and endurance training. And you will improve your heart rate in the process. As per a study, skiing has the same cardio benefits as cycling or rowing.

2. Go for a walk

Running isn't for everyone, but that's fine. Walking at a fast enough pace can be as effective as running. In fact, research shows that brisk walking or slow jogging can enhance your heart health and lower your mortality. There are many ways to start walking. You can explore a local park solo, take your dog for a walk, or keep a walking meeting at your office. Regardless of where you live, you can always find a beautiful place nearby where you can start your walk. Anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes of brisk walking is enough to help you stay fit.

3. Take the stairs

Taking stairs is not going to be fun at the beginning, and you will agree with that. But once you get into the routine, it won't bother you as much. Plus, it will be a great workout for major muscle groups in your legs and glutes. Yeah, it is not fun, but you can make it fun if you want to. You can make a game out of it. For instance, you can set a time limit for reaching your floor and reward yourself if you complete the course within that time. And, if you get hooked, then you can also become a competitive stair climber.

4. Sit in a squat position

Squatting is one of the significant exercises that a professional gym trainer might advise you to do at a gym. And, that's because of its health benefits. But, it does not always have to be a gym. You can squat whenever and wherever you want. For instance, you can sit in a squat position while watching TV. Obviously not leaning against the couch, but sitting up actively and engaging your core. You can also sit in a squat position while reading or using your laptop.

5. Play an active video game

Video games can be just about vegging on the couch, or it can be a fun workout to stay fit. You heard it right, video games can be fun and one of the most engaging way to stay fit. Routine workouts can be boring, and you can often substitute them with fun workout video games. For instance, you can try Nike+ Kinect training, Wii Fit, or Everybody Dance. There are no formal studies that help prove it beneficial, but moving around instead of sitting is always a better option to choose.

6. Go bowling

While thinking of bowling, our minds usually fill with thoughts of fun nights or parties. Hence, it might surprise you, but bowling is also a great and fun way to exercise. On average, a bowler walks up to sixty feet every turn. And, this accounts for more than half a mile on a standard three-game series. Bowling has the potential to burn anywhere between 175 to 300 calories an hour, which is equivalent to 25 minutes of jumping a rope. It also provides other health benefits like strengthened muscles, better hand-eye coordination, and improved flexibility.

7. Get competitive

Healthy competition is always fun and exciting. And, who doesn't wants to be a winner? Competition always helps you to stay motivated for physical activities. For instance, you can join a local race. It does not always have to be a marathon. Pick some of your friends and start competing with each other. You can also head for club sports, and whether it's kickball, softball, or even dodge ball, healthy competition will always help you keep moving. You can also leverage fitness trackers and apps to compete with your friends based on the numbers.

8. Go kayaking

Why hit machines at the gym when you can take it outdoors. Most of the machines at gyms are designed based on some real-life activities that are more fun. So leave the machines for gym rats and go kayaking through peaceful waters. Kayaking will help tone your abs, as it takes a lot of core strength and movement. It is a great upper body workout that needs arms, back, chest, and shoulder movements to pull you along the water, giving you many cardio benefits without any gym machines.

9. Bounce like a ball

A simple up and down motion due to gravity can provide many health benefits. It engages and stimulates every single muscle for producing an amazing rejuvenating experience. And it is fun at the same time. You can use a trampoline for help. When you jump on a trampoline, there is an acceleration and declaration that happens on each jump. And that flexes and relaxes every muscle of your body alternately, thereby toning your entire muscular system. It helps to increase bone density, digestion, gut health, and lung capacity.

10. Go anti-gravity

We talked about how gravity can help while jumping. Now let's talk about how going against gravity can help you. Going anti-gravity does not mean you have to fly like you are in space. It means you have to try to stay erect but on your hands or your head. Handstands can be fun, and they can leave you all sweaty within a few minutes. And, the same goes for headstands. It builds up serious arms and core strengths. It can be hard at first, and hence you can take the support of a wall at the beginning. And then you can gradually move towards inverted independence.

Make any of these fun activities as a part of your regular routine and you will not have to worry about hitting gyms or yoga centers to stay fit. And there are a lot more activities that can be done, mention what's your favorite in the comments below.