It can be hard to find the time and energy to get fit. Maybe you work full-time or are a student who wants to save money on gym fees. Whatever your reasons, not everyone has access to a gym or personal trainer. And that’s okay! Luckily, there are lots of ways you can get active while staying fit. The good news is that no matter where you are in your fitness journey, you can incorporate these tips into your routine. Working out doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive if you have your own DIY fitness routine. There are plenty of free activities and affordable tools available that let you squeeze in a workout wherever you are for as little or as much time as you want. Let’s take a look at 7 clever ways to create your own fitness routine:
1. Pick up cardio wherever you are
One way to stick to your fitness routine is to start with cardio. There are a number of ways you can do this, including walking and running. If you don’t want to spend too much money on equipment, then you can try using items found around the house like weighted vests and jump ropes. If you have trouble fitting a workout into your schedule, then find time during your lunch break or before work in the morning.
2. Light weights and HIIT workouts
One of the best ways to get fit is with a combination of light weights and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This method uses short bursts of intense exercise before switching to lighter activities for recovery. HIIT improves your endurance, speed, and agility while also giving you the cardiovascular boost you need. If you’re looking for some free weights, try using kettlebells or dumbbells instead of traditional weights. They’re much easier to use than heavy barbells or dumbbells, yet they can still provide an intense workout. Kettlebells are great for cardio work because you can use them as a weight during any type of movement/exercise. They move in many directions and mimic different motions that help you get into shape from head to toe! Another alternative to traditional weights is using resistance bands. Resistance bands are super easy to use and will give you an effective workout without the need for expensive equipment such as weights or machines at the gym. You can easily wrap the band around your wrists, ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and torso for a full-body workout!
3. Work one body part at a time
It’s true that working out your whole body at once is the best way to get results, but sometimes it’s hard to do. One way to break up those long sessions without leaving your whole body behind is by focusing on one muscle group each day. For example, if you want to tone your arms, start with some bicep curls at home before work and then add a few sets of push-ups later in your office break room. If you want to start with cardio, choose a low-impact activity for an easy warm-up like jumping jacks or hopping on one leg. Then you can add more fitness activities as you progress.
4. Take a hike or run with your dog
There are lots of ways to fit in a little cardio during the day. If you’re short on time and don’t have a gym membership, consider taking a hike or running with your dog. It’s easy to walk or run with your pet and they can help motivate you when you need it most!
5. Schedule strength training sessions
Strength training is one of the best ways to exercise. But, if you don’t have a gym membership or an instructor nearby, it can be difficult to find time for your workout. The beauty of this strategy is that you won’t need any equipment at all! For example, imagine that during your lunch break at work you want to do a quick workout in your office.
6. Don’t work out; just play!
One of the easiest ways to shape your fitness routine is to just stop working out and focus on playing around. Whether you’re a kid or a parent, a playground can be one of the most motivating places to get active. Simply trying new things on the playground will start to build muscle memory for your body and leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Playing games like tag, hide-and-seek, or even kickball have been proven to increase endurance, agility, and movement. Another great way to work up a sweat without actually working out for long periods of time is with yoga! Yoga emphasizes balance, coordination, strength, flexibility and more. This activity can be done at any point in the day; whether it’s before your morning commute or after dinner when you need a quick stretch before bedtime. The relaxing benefits are great for people who don’t have time for an entire workout routine but still want their muscles challenged.
