5 Physical Activities More Fun Than A Gym Workout

Let’s face it: the gym can be a scary place. Whether you’re a novice workout junkie or you get a little social fright, the gym can be the last place you feel confident in. Although it’s certainly a great place to work on your #fitnessgoals, it can easily become overwhelming. For that reason, many people opt out of working out at gyms. At the same time, even expert gym-goers can find the place to be a tad boring after a bit. To be expected, if you practice any one thing time after time, there will be a moment where you’ll start to plateau or stop enjoying it as much. No matter what your reason is, it’s perfectly normal. However, this can become a problem when you stop your fitness journey suddenly.

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that consistency is key. In fact, constantly working out can be more than just about your fitness goals. It’s the perfect habit to help improve your mood, confidence, self-esteem, and even sleep. According to the CDC, adults should strive to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily, five days a week. But what do you do if you don’t want to go to the gym? Thankfully, there are more than just gym workouts to get your day’s physical activity. The following activities are fun alternatives to gym workouts that’ll have you sweating without knowing it. Although some might not be permanent replacements, it’s the perfect way to get your body moving when you don’t feel like it.

1. Water Aerobics

Water aerobics isn’t just for seniors in TV ads. It’s a fun activity for all ages that doesn’t require much more than a basic swim level and a bathing suit. Water aerobics can be the perfect alternative for those who may be rehabing after an injury or need a physical activity that doesn’t involve high impact. While a low-impact activity, there’s nothing easy about this workout. Water aerobics can help with heart and lung function while strengthening and toning your muscles. Think of it as running but without hurting your knees.

2. Hula Hooping

There’s a reason why your stomach hurt after hula hooping when you were a child. Hula hooping isn’t just a great activity for getting in touch with your inner child but also a great workout you can do almost anywhere. Helping burn calories, improve balance, and strengthen your core, hula-hooping is the ultimate activity for days you don’t want to leave your house. According to Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, hula hooping for just 30 minutes can help burn 165 calories for women and 200 calories for men. If you want to step it up a level, opt for a weighted hula hoop that will put serious pressure on your core and help shred a few more calories. Even if you aren’t the perfect hula hooper, this is the perfect exercise to help get your body moving and pick up a new skill over time.

3. Dancing

No experience is required for this one! Dancing isn’t just for having a good time, but it’s a good workout. Helping with cardio and stamina, dancing has so many benefits other than looking cool at a party. One of the easiest movements you can do a day is to schedule in a daily dance session. If you’re looking for an exercise, you can do it right after waking up. If you want to take it one step further, YouTube is full of dance tutorials to get you in the rhythm (or at least give you more direction). If you feel extra confident, sign up for a local dance class for an even more intense sweat. And no need to worry, nearly all your classmates will probably be at the same level as you. You could even make friends along the way- a win-win!

4. Gardening

Believe it or not, growing that greenhouse in your backyard is helping you break a sweat. While it may not seem like it, gardening is a low-impact activity that engages almost all your muscle groups. Depending on the level of gardening, you can easily burn around 150 calories doing thirty minutes of weeding. Activities like digging, planting, pruning, or mowing can help you work up a sweat and improve your landscaping while you’re at it. Finally, all that lugging heavy soil and digging holes in the ground is starting to pay off.

5. Yoga/Pilates

Although it may seem like everyone is doing it nowadays for the aesthetic, yoga and pilates remain a great replacement for gym workouts. Not only do these exercises help engage all your muscle groups in one class, but they’ve been proven to have various mental benefits. Just like the gym, pilates and yoga classes can be overwhelming situations, especially if you suffer from social anxiety. However, it’s important to note that beginner pilates and yoga classes are for people with zero to very little experience. This means everyone in your class probably has no idea what they’re doing. If the idea of attending a class with others still keeps you away, YouTube is full of programs and fitness influencers with plenty of videos to help you build up the skill.