10 Ways to Get Fitter without Going to the Gym

If you’re quite certain that going to the gym is not for you, but still have a desire to be the healthiest, fittest version of yourself, there are still a few good things you can do for your body. Of course, none of these things will leave you with a six pack or 5% body fat, but consistently taking small positive steps can make a significant impact to how you feel in the long run.

Improve your diet

We know you know this one but we can’t discount the important of improving your diet to boost your health and fitness levels. It’s the most important factor when it comes to losing weight without the gym! Try cut down on your consumption of processed foods, and foods with a lot of salt or sugar. Instead, incorporate more of a plant-based diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Improve your posture

Having a good posture not only makes you look taller and slimmer but keeps your bones and joints in the correct alignment and ensures your muscles are being used properly. It can help prevent neck or lower back pain in later life and promotes good circulation and bloody flow.

Get a fitness tracker

Getting a fitness tracker or using the step tracking function on your smartphone can make you much more aware of how physically active or inactive you are. It’s recommended that you get around 10,000 steps a day and by tracking your activity, it will be easier to set goals for yourself and work towards improvement.

Take your car less

In Ireland, we can sometimes be slaves to our cars. Walking can be too much of a risk – it could be sunny one minute, then the next there’s a downpour and you’re absolutely drenched. Try to replace short car journeys with walking – even if it’s just to the shop and back.

At home exercises

If it’s the thought of the gym that you just can’t stomach, then try exercise at home. If you have the space, you could try some online exercise classes from platforms such as YouTube. These can be tailored to your level and can be done in your living room with your partner, roommates or family members.

Try an adjustable standing desk

As many have spent the last year and a half working from home, you could benefit from adopting a standing desk. Over the past few years, the phrase ‘sitting is the new smoking’ has been uttered more frequently due to growing research showing the link between spending a long time in a sedentary position and the development of health issues from obesity to diabetes and cancer.

Clean your house

Exercise doesn’t have to involve putting on work out gear, lifting weights or doing intense repetitive cardio. A good cleaning session is a great calorie burner, with vacuuming, moving furniture and sweeping among the best activities to get the heart pumping.

Get an outdoor hobby

Having a hobby you love can change your life – it gives you greater purpose, can benefit your mental health, can open your social circles and can make you physically healthier. Joining a spin class, a running group or some sort of exercise programme aren’t the only hobbies you can take up to improve your fitness.

Stretch more

Just like improving your posture, stretching regularly is incredibly beneficial for your body. It can improve flexibility, help prevent injury and most importantly improve your blood flow to aid cell growth and your organ function. If you’re feeling tired, a good stretch can also give you a boost of energy to help you move more and be active for longer.

Have more sex

While some of us fundamentally don’t like exercise, there is one physical activity that might not feel like exercise. Sex isn’t just a lot of fun for those of age and interested; it’s also great for your health. It increases your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure and burns calories too.

What are your top tips for improving your everyday health and fitness?