Health & Medical Fitness & bodybuilding

Ways to Get Fit for Free

    • ciclista y perro por la playa image by Marco Antonio Fdez. from Fotolia.com

      Staying in shape can be a challenge, especially if you have to pay for an expensive gym membership or personal trainer. You can incorporate fitness into your everyday life without the burden of bills or obligation to get yourself to the gym. Take advantage of the opportunities to fit in free exercise when you run errands, get to and from work, spend time with family and friends or just take time for yourself.

    Move Your Legs

    • Using your legs to get around is definitely the healthiest method of transportation. You can walk, run or cycle anywhere your body and location allows. The next time you need to get somewhere, ask yourself if you can walk or bike there instead of drive. Amp up simple routines such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking further away from the store. Use your own body weight to act as a resistance tool. Squats and lunges are examples of exercises you can do at the end of your walk or run, either in an open space like a park or in an ample space in your house.

    Move Your Arms

    • Carrying grocery bags and scrubbing the kitchen floor can be ways to work out your arms. You can find weights in more places than the gym. The next time you bring your goods in from the car, do bicep curls on each side by bending your elbow and lifting a filled bag toward your face. When you're cleaning the kitchen floor, put on some music and use the chore to work up a good sweat with your scrubbing. You know you've worked your arms when they feel fatigued. Push-ups and pull-ups are also very effective home exercises that use your body weight and gravity to work your upper body.

    Engage Your Core

    • Core strength is important for more than just the attraction of a tight and firm stomach. Having a strong core helps to support your lower back, which helps with supporting posture and preventing back pain. Numerous exercises use nothing more than your body weight to support and strengthen your core. You can also engage your core throughout the day. Pull in your stomach muscles and hold, so weight is out of your lower back and your tailbone is slightly tucked. You can do popular core-strengthening exercises, found in books and on websites, in your bedroom, living room or wherever there is enough space for your body and the extension of your limbs.

    Dance With Somebody

    • Dancing is a great workout. According to Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic, "Belly-dancing and other types of dance can be good exercises for weight loss." He says you can burn as many calories belly-dancing as you can walking, swimming or riding a bike, but it all depends on the level of exertion. Laskowski recommends finding a class or dance club that allows for the greatest level of movement. According to Laskowski, the concept is simple: "the more you move, the more calories you'll burn."

    Play Outside

    • Most outdoor activities can be considered physical recreation. Even flying a kite requires movement, an important foundation for health. If you have a dog or kids, there's all the more reason to get out and play. You may also be suprised how many friends would love to join you for a walk to get coffee or an afternoon surf session. Kayaking can be an active way to spend a day out at the lake, and chopping and stacking wood will wear you out enough to appreciate your winter evening fire even more. If it's motivation that keeps you from venturing out, start small and see where it takes you. Energy often creates more energy, so a morning walk could easily lead to an afternoon playing frisbee in the park.



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