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Ditch the Gym: 10 Ways to Get Fit Without Any Fancy Equipment

outdoor running

Go totally gym-free and hit the trails for a run! Credit: lululemon athletica

It’s an excuse many of us have heard or even said ourselves: I want to get fit, but I can’t afford a membership to the gym or a personal trainer. While a health club can be a fantastic place to work out, it’s not the only way to get fit. In fact, you can enjoy a variety of different workouts at home or outside that are extremely low cost and sometimes even free! If you think that toning up or losing weight takes a gym or fancy fitness equipment, think again. Here are 10 gym-free workouts that will challenge your body, give you great results and even let you have a little fun!

10 Gym-Free Workout Ideas

1. Create a DIY Bootcamp. An outdoor bootcamp can be a lot of fun—who doesn’t like fresh air and a good challenge? You can always create your own solo bootcamp, but it’s more fun with a group, so gather a few buds and hit a local park with open space, trees, benches and other landmarks. With your group, agree on how long you’ll spend working out, then brainstorm different strength and cardio exercises you can perform using what’s around you. Get creative! Examples might include triceps dips on a park bench, seated squats up against a tree, push-ups with your feet on a curb, sprints to a pond and back or hill repeats. No matter which moves you choose, be sure to warm up with a 5-minute walk and cool down with some gentle stretching.

2. Pop in a workout DVD. There really isn’t an excuse not to work out at home with the vast array of workout DVDs on the market, including Pilates, dance, strength, kickboxing—the list goes on and on. While many workout DVDs require little to no equipment, others allow you to use things you have around the house, like soup cans as dumbbells or a chair for support. No matter what level of exerciser you are, there’s something out there for you!

Keep reading for eight more gym-free workout ideas! —Jenn 

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Comments

6 Comments
  1. Brooke says:

    I find it hard to get the motivation when I don’t have a membership. However, I think it’s important to push yourself! Thanks for the tips. For a different point of view, on another area of life, have a pop over to the new site we launched! Thanks 🙂

    brookeandmckenzie.wordpress.com

  2. Man Bicep says:

    If you are looking for great workout DVDs, I recommend P90x or The Firm depending upon what you are looking for!

  3. Shannon says:

    I love the motivation and comraderie of the gym, but also love doing pushups with my 4 year old sitting and laughing on my back. There are so many websites that offer free workouts at home so there’s no excuse no matter what your budget is!

  4. No equipment workouts are my specialty. I really really recommend you visit and try these guys out: http://www.thesuperherobody.com/recommend/BWRevolution.php

    PS You should also checkout Zuzana at Bodyrock.tv

  5. You are inspiring to men and women alike your motivation is contagious as is mine. I have lost 100 pounds plus in less than a year (I was 323 lbs.) through diet and exercise only. At one time I thought it was impossible. We have to be good stewards over our bodies just as we are over finances, family, etc. You are keeping me motivated through this journey. Keep in mind,it will not end at our goal weight we have to maintain. However, it is easier when there are average people like us motivating others to do above average things. I wish I can show my picture here but they are on my blog sites. Thanks for the post, with love from The Average Joe.

  6. Your pic looks like Torry Pines State Park. Is that were it was taken? I wouldn’t suggest running any of the trails there. It is too dangerous to the runner as well as others. It is a good place for hiking (but be sure to carry water). The trail to Flat Rock is too dangerous for me.

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