There are so many things that you can do to improve your fitness, whether you’re an Olympic athlete or just trying to maintain the shape you’re in after having kids. Here are 8 free and fun ways to improve your fitness, no matter what level you’re at right now. If you have any tips of your own, please share them in the comments below!
1) Zumba
Zumba is a popular exercise for strengthening the body’s core, great for enhancing cardiovascular health, as well as toning up muscles. A bonus is that it is also a fun way to socialize with people from all walks of life in your community! The best part is that you can burn up to 600 calories per hour while working out! All you need are comfortable clothes, sneakers or dance shoes, and an open mind.
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Here are some tips on how to get started Find a local class by searching online or asking around at work, church, etc. There are usually beginner classes available every day of the week (except Sundays). Don’t worry if you don’t know any moves – this is normal and there will be instructors who can help you. Once you start going regularly, we recommend taking the time to find a qualified instructor through research or word-of-mouth who helps others feel confident during their workout.
2) Yoga
Yoga is a great form of exercise that provides a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. With more than 20 million practitioners in the United States alone, it’s an ancient practice with roots in both Hinduism and Buddhism that many people associate with the term meditation.
People of any age can start yoga classes, as all bodies are welcome in the room, regardless of shape or size. Plus, many poses make it accessible for people with limited mobility due to injury or disease. Yoga has a number of benefits including increased flexibility, strength, concentration/focus, balance and mindfulness which translate into improved mental health.
3) Dancing
One of the best ways to improve your fitness is through dance. Dance requires you to use a wide range of muscles for maintaining balance, intensity, speed, agility, and endurance. Dance can improve both cardio strength and agility–a win-win! Make sure you mix up the kind of dancing you do (jazz, breakdancing) because doing too much of one style could result in over-use injuries.
Check out YouTube or Groupon for discount deals on lessons near you! You can also find other places like Zumba and Zumbini classes, both of which are fun for all ages. Remember that it’s important to always warm up before jumping into any exercise routine; just try some stretches or walk around your block.
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For those who want something with a little more flexibility, check out Bikram Yoga or Yin Yoga where you will be guided through various poses in a heated room. If you’re looking for something more laid back, take advantage of that treadmill at home: put on an episode of Friends or Gilmore Girls while enjoying that free gym membership! Even if you don’t have time to work out for long periods of time, research has shown that 10 minutes three times a day can make all the difference.
Whether it’s between meetings or lunch breaks, having this consistency in your schedule is better than not exercising at all. Or join a group fitness class so you don’t have to worry about scheduling conflicts: these include CrossFit and Body Combat (which incorporate martial arts movements).
4) Walking
Start off by parking at the end of the lot when you go shopping or run errands, instead of in front of the store. At first this may seem like it’ll take more time, but after awhile your legs will get stronger and you won’t have to start your car anymore.
As a result, you’ll save money on gas!
Walking is also a great way to socialize and meet new people in your neighborhood. Bring along some snacks or even cards so you have something other than your phone to talk about with them. It’s a perfect chance to meet new friends and explore your community! You can do the same thing at work- try to walk a few laps around the building every hour.
You can increase that distance over time until you’re walking an entire mile each day. Who knows? You might make an exercise buddy who likes taking walks as much as you do!
It’s true that sometimes we feel less energetic in winter, but there are still plenty of ways to stay active indoors- whether it be going for a swim or using a treadmill while watching TV.
Many gyms offer daily specials and membership discounts during slow times- don’t be afraid to ask! There are many apps out there which can help you track your fitness goals, too- if that sounds interesting to you, check out Fitocracy and Runtastic.
No matter what activity or level of intensity you want to reach, there’s always a free way to get started! If you’re looking for variety, consider signing up for the YMCA or joining a class offered through your town’s recreation department. They usually offer tons of options to choose from, no matter how old you are or what experience level you currently hold.
If sports aren’t really your thing, it never hurts to experiment with different types of dancing! Swing dance classes are very popular these days- plus they give you an excuse to dress up and put on some nice shoes 🙂
5) Swimming
Swimming is a great aerobic workout that can strengthen your core muscles and help you become more flexible. Swimming is also a non-impact sport which reduces the risk of injuring your joints over time. The best part? You don’t need anything but some goggles or some other form of eye protection. So put on your suit, swim a few laps, and feel better right away! If you want an even bigger challenge, look for a nearby swimming pool with lap lanes so you can track your progress.
6) Cycling
There are many different types of exercise that can lead to improved fitness. One such way is cycling. Cycling improves the cardiovascular system by making it stronger. It increases stamina and increases flexibility while also increasing endurance. The best part about cycling is that it’s an affordable activity, doesn’t require any special equipment, requires very little space, and can be done in any weather condition.
7) Meditation
Meditation may seem like an overwhelming concept, but it is actually very simple. All you need is a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for 20 minutes and the willingness to just breathe. With your eyes closed, set a timer on your phone for 5-10 minutes. Concentrate on your breath, without forcing or regulating it.
Pay attention to the sensation of air coming in through your nose or mouth and the gentle rise and fall of your abdomen as you inhale or exhale. If other thoughts come into mind that make themselves known, return gently back to focusing on your breath. Allow all worries from work, school, family members—even worries about meditation itself—to drift away like clouds in the sky until there is nothing but serenity left.
8) Exercising with a Buddy
Exercising with a friend or partner can be both more fun and easier to stick with. Who’s going to leave you out of the fun, right?
Exercising with someone who has the same fitness goals as you does two things. Firstly, it makes the act of exercising more like an event that is less boring because it gets your competitive side involved.
Secondly, it provides an accountability mechanism where your friend will always make sure you follow through with what you said you were going to do – no excuses! They are also much more likely to notice if something is off, if you’re injured, or not feeling well. You’ll have the motivation in each other’s company to help keep each other on track.