Exercise Without The Gym
23 June 2008
Want to lose weight or increase your exercise time without going to the gym? Read on to discover five great gym alternatives with our helpful guide from Chloe Addo on how to exercise or lose weight without going to the gym.
If you are new to exercise or embarrassed to work out in front of strangers, the gym can be an intimidating place. For others the price of gym membership is costly. However there are plenty of alternatives, which are adventurous, fun, sociable, low cost and a great body workout.
1. Rock Climbing
Outdoor pursuits provide a great way to get trim and have fun. Whether you take part in solo activities or team up with mates, you can benefit from a first-class cardiovascular workout, which will help you burn fat and lose pounds.
Why not try rock climbing? This kind of exercise requires physical strength and endurance. The basic aim is to successfully climb up a mountain, hill, steep terrain, or artificial wall.
Although this can be a risky sport, the satisfaction from completing a climb is extremely rewarding, offering constant excitement and a huge adrenaline rush. There is no need to begin on the most dangerous mountain. There are many places where you can climb artificial walls until your ready to explore new things.
Rock climbing is a great form of cardiovascular exercise which will help you burn fat. Before embarking on a climb you will be required to take part in a pre-climb workout and activities to help build on your endurance and technique. Find your nearest climbing centre at ukclimbing.com
2. Salsa
Whether solo or with a mate, salsa is an enjoyable way to get fit and learn some real dance moves.
Salsa is an energetic exercise and no previous dancing experience is needed. You just have to be prepared to lose yourself to the Latin rhythm. Salsa is a great way to build stamina, enhance co-ordination and improve flexibility. Dancing also improves the circulation and performance of the heart and lungs and releases endorphins giving a pleasant high.
Salsa is a great fat burner, too: you can burn up to 370 calories during a one hour salsa class.
3. Cycling
Cycling provides an effective aerobic workout, with great improvements to how your lungs and heart function.
A report by NHS Direct found that cycling can improve your mood, reduce levels of depression and stress, raise self-esteem, and relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Not only will you save money on transport or petrol costs and lower carbon emissions, but you'll be able to fit in your daily exercise without taking too much out of your day. Join a cycling club if you prefer some company on the road.
4. Sit Ups, Press Ups and Squats
Traditional circuit exercises are a great way to develop muscle fibres and get a super toned physique.
They are easy to do at home and several repetitions on a regular basis will improve your core stability and fitness. Sit ups, press ups and squats work a range of major muscles, including the glutens (bum), hamstrings, abdominals and lower-back muscles. If you need extra motivation for home exercise, why not consult a personal trainer?
5. Having Sex
Getting intimate can burn a decent amount of calories. Sexual activity can improve your overall fitness and performance in bed. Just kissing for 15 minutes burns around 30 calories as does 30 minutes of foreplay and a whopping 60 calories can be burnt with just 20 minutes of sex.
For more diet, fashion and beauty news, tips, advice and videos, visit keepthedoctoraway.co.uk.