Fun Ways To Get Active Outside Of The Gym

Getting active doesn’t only include going to the gym to walk on the treadmill or lift weights.

Getting active simply means MOVING more

  or increasing the amount of time your body spends moving vs sitting or laying still.

Your body burns calories from the movements it makes, because everything your body does requires energy..

Some activities burn more calories than others, and

some kinds of activities are better for certain people depending on their fitness goals but

as a beginner if you don’t know where to start or if you’re too afraid to start going to the gym right now, or if you have gotten to the point where you are bored with your current routine there are fun ways for you to get active outside of the gym.

And you know I got you covered. Here are a few ideas!

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Go Hiking

My favorite alternative to going to the gym is hiking.

The view at the top of Kennesaw Mountain; Kennesaw, GA

Hiking burns a TON of calories, and at the same time works your muscles.

For me, after about an hour hiking up a mountain and walking down I burn about 450 calories. (I typically like to hike up and walk down, because the hike up usually kills me lol)

For someone larger than me the amount of calories burned would be more.

Be prepared to be sore the next day though! 

This is a perfect if you’re looking for something fun and intense and you also get an amazing view

You may even see some deer or other animals!

Take a Pole Dancing/Dancing Class

Another great alternative is a dance class.

Dancing is so much fun for many people, and a lot of times you don’t even realize that you’re getting in a good workout.

I’ve wanted to try a pole dance class for some time, so once I do I will definitely let you know how it went.

I have taken other kinds of dance classes though, and I always had a good time.

And don’t be shy!

most likely you won’t be the only newbie there, and the instructor should be very welcoming and make sure the experience is a good one for you

*****If not go somewhere else.

Here are some dance class ideas you can look into for your area:

• Hip hop
• Ballet
• Pole
• Tap
• Salsa

Go On A Nature Walk

You may or may not know that walking is great for burning fat.

If you live in a scenic area like I do, you might enjoy going for a nature walk.

If not, I’m sure wherever you live has some public trails that you can go to. You could even go to a pubic park and walk around there.

I live in a very nice neighborhood and I love to walk in different directions to see all of the houses, and landscapes. 

I like to explore and see things that I may not have known were around.

At the same time I get in a workout and burn calories.

It also is great way to get some of that good ole Vitamin D from the sunlight, and you may also find peace in it.

Give it a try!

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Try Kangoo

You’re probably like

“What the hell is Kangoo?”

And let me tell you it is such a fun class!

It’s almost like a trampoline class but instead of using trampolines they give you kangoo shoes, or you can purchase your own.

The kangoo shoes are made so that you can bounce and jump easily and they also decrease the amount of strain to your joints.

Typically during a kangoo class you’ll be doing some kind of aerobic routine that includes a lot of jumping and guys I promise it is so much fun and really BURNS calories!

You may be a little sore after your first class of kangoo, but it will get easier over time, and the soreness will decrease.

Check out the video below!

Go Swimming

Swimming is great way to torch some calories and can be fun if you’re someone who likes to swim.

Even during the winter time.

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to go to a gym to lift, you could use their indoor pool(if the gym you choose has one.. most do) and swim some laps.

An average person can burn about 400 calories or more from swimming for an hour!

Now this doesn’t mean get in the pool and float around like you would if you were at a family cookout.

You have to actually swim and move your body through the water to burn the calories, and get in a good workout.

Play With Your Children/Pets

Maybe you are someone who has kids or pets.

Taking 30 minutes to an hour to play with them could be your exercise and theirs for the day.

You could go for a walk with them, or race them in the street, or play with them at the park.

You could even run around the house and have them chase you, or you chase them for awhile.

Anything you can think of that will get you both moving will suffice.

And hey you’ll both love the quality time, and your relationship with them could benefit from this as well.

Don’t let being a parent stop you! 

Include them in your workouts!

Check out this mom who works out with her daughter regularly, and kills it!

I hope you see that when starting your fitness journey or even during it you have tons of options for fun ways to get active outside of the gym..

Over time it may be good to try to get into lifting weights and other things, but you don’t have to start there if you don’t want, and you don’t have to ONLY do that if you already do lift.

Work your way up, and/or try new things. 

And have some fun!