86% of Canadians believe that getting active is worth their time. However, roughly 50% would rather stay home and sit on their sofas. Making a full commitment to fitness is imperative to stay healthy, and if you’ve signed up for a gym membership, then that’s already a good start. Going to the gym at least thrice a week is essential, since consistency and motivation are important if you want to see good results. However, aside from going to the gym, there are other physical activities that you can do that could give you multiple health benefits. Here are some exercises you can do when you’re not in the gym or anywhere else to keep your body moving.
Do some squats
Squats are a great addition to your workout routine outside of the gym, and this exercise provides so many benefits as it works out your whole body. It may help you lose weight, strengthen your knees, and tone up your glutes. To make it effective, try to set a number for your daily squat goals. For instance, you can start from 20 and then work your way up until your body is used to it. Some people even challenge themselves with 100 squats a day. The best thing about squats is that you can do it anywhere, even at work.
Use a resistance band
Resistance bands have gained popularity over recent years. Using them allows you to do routines that are as effective as your machine workouts at the gym. Resistance bands are simple tools that can help to build muscle and strength. You can use them to give your squats more tension, or you can try out different routines depending on the area of your body you want to focus on. Plus, they are small and easy to put away so it won’t clutter your space at home, and you can even pack them up easily if you’re going on a trip.
Give HIIT a try
HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training has been getting more popular in the past few years. Although doing HIIT is a challenge, the possibility to get fit and toned just by doing short exercises has made it so appealing to many people, especially if they don’t have a lot of hours to spend in the gym. Plus, it is easy to get into with all the resources out there, such as YouTube tutorials or various HIIT apps that you can download. Try doing some in the morning to get your body going and ready for the day ahead.
Go for a hike
If you’re looking for something to do outside the gym, going for a hike is a highly recommended outdoor activity. 75% of Canadians are said to enjoy going on hikes, and it’s possible that it’s because it has more benefits than a regular cardio workout. Trans Canada Trail reports that hiking can help improve people’s mental health as hiking has been proven to boost happiness and even help people with depression. Go on a hike whenever you can to boost your mental health and keep fit.
Whether you’re in the gym or not, keeping yourself active and will help you to achieve your fitness goals. Make sure to find a routine that fits your needs and decide how much time you can commit to it, and remember to be consistent to get good results.
