While I continue to thank my lucky stars we made it out of Chicago in time to miss Snowmageddon and the polar conditions that accompanied it, I have to say I miss strength training in our home gym. There is a small gym here but it seems to contain only a few pieces of cardio equipment. In the age of COVID, I’m opting to stay out of there. Here’s how I’m staying active without the gym.
5 Ways to Stay Fit Without Gym Equipment
Running-Walking-Hiking. Physical activity, fresh air and nature is an amazing trio, am I right? Our daily routine here includes two daily walks, each 2 miles in length. While not a fan of streaks in general, I runfess I’ve fallen into a run streak. It was totally unintentional and I blame the dog for coercing me to get out most days. I’m not running far but I’m running consistently. A morning run sets me up for a great day.
Adding Intensity. Like I said above, I may not be running far but I am picking up the pace here and there. I’ve done speed intervals as well as some one-mile time trials. In the Florida heat, those got me sweating something fierce. If running isn’t your thing, picking up the pace on your walk will add intensity too. So will adding incline, like stairs or hills.
Bodyweight Exercises. Who loves some squats, jump squats, jacks, burpees, push ups and planks? These are all so basic and yet so effective. Best of all they can be done anywhere. No excuses! Try this Abs & Core Strength Ladder Workout.
Resistance Bands. This may be cheating on my “no equipment” claim but I did pack some resistance bands and I’m glad I did. They’re super light and take up no space in the suitcase so why not? Try this resistance band workout here.
Isometric Strength. Isometric exercises are done by contracting a muscle or group of muscles and holding that contracted state. While it’s not the most effective way to BUILD muscle, isometrics are a great way to maintain the muscle mass you have. It’s also a great way to train stability as well as a great option if you’re injured. Try my Isometric Strength Workout here.
How about you? What equipment-free activities do you enjoy most?
These are great tips. I’ve been doing a lot of body weight strength exercises while my hand heals. I should use my bands though.
Great ideas! I think it I were in Florida I would be getting outside for workouts as much as possible too. Sometimes when I visit my in-lows in Florida I do yoga outside by the pool. And I always try to pack a couple of bands when I travel!
All great tips Marcia! I have resistance bands that haven’t seen the light of day in quite some time – thanks for the reminder! And I runfess that I have been toying with the idea of a mini-run streak to break up the monotony of treadmill running.
I am envious of the weather down there! Really, there’s no excuse to not stay fit when you can get outside.
You just reminded me that the only time I’m without a gym is when we go on vacation to FL! My go to is a short run on the beach in the morning followed by a cool off in the ocean. I got a resistance band set a few years ago for about $10 and it’s perfect for vacation. Add in pushup/crunches/squats and I’m set.
I almost always travel with resistance bands! And I just finished a short squat workout that definitely got my heart rate up. Of course there’s always Yoga, too. 🙂 You know I had to say that! A towel works well for a Yoga mat.
Guess I need to be thankful for an older dog. I know he definitely wouldn’t want to run in heat!
Did you write this for me? Lol
I don’t even own resistance bands.
But I know I can me active without anything. Thanks for the motivation.
At least I do walk run and hike.
Keep posting those videos. I promise to try them.
When in Florida, I wouldn’t want to spend time inside a gym anyway…lol.
Enjoy as many outdoor workouts as you can!
Happy weekend! -M
That’s funny, i just finished a strength training session with only bodyweight exercises- there’s definitely a lot you can do!
As you know, the bulk of my fitness is sans gym. I do have the treadmill, elliptical and bike, but I rely on a lot of body-weight resistance work for much of my routine. Walking is a huge (daily) vice for me!
resistance bands and bodyweight exercises are perfect for traveling. I always find I am walking and hiking and just exploring more by foot as well.
Oh, this reminds me of my 10-day quarantine I had a few weeks ago!
I have very minimal gym equipment at home but I was glad to have some bodyweight exercises and the resistance bands.
Also, we improvised with waterbottles and weights we found around the home.
Enjoy Florida – I like that you are getting outdoors every day!
I don’t know where you are but I can tell from the palm trees in your photos, I wish I was there! 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful tips for working out without equipment (or just a little equipment). I hope to be traveling again sometime soon (this year?) so it will definitely come in handy.
I am definitely jealous you are in a warmer place, but I am happy for you. I really have no excuse not to do any indoor workouts since the basic ones (squats, lunges, burpees, etc) is really all I need to do.
My resistance bands rarely make it out of my suitcase if I remember to even bring them. I usually run when on vacation or look for stairs.
this is brilliant.
Gyms are very touch and go for so many of us right now, and it was next to impossible to get weights and equipment during the last year. It’s great to have a variety of options to help stay in shape!