Let’s face it, the gym is a depressing place to spend your time. It’s the same old routines over and over again. It’s full of beefcakes inflating their muscles to inhuman levels. And there’s always someone kicking your ass on the treadmill next to you! The routine can slowly grind you down, and there’s only so much to keep you interested. Instead, try some of these alternative fitness ideas. Trust us, you don’t have to go back near the gym!

Road running and cycling

Regular exercise only works if you get some serious enjoyment and benefit from it. Pounding the treadmill doesn’t exactly give you that feeling of wind in your hair and endless freedom. Hitting the roads gives you the chance to get out of a claustrophobic environment. It helps free your mind, and you’ll get more thinking done. Exercise isn’t just about miles under your belt or speed reached. It’s about relaxing and maximising the benefit of your workout. Taking to the roads with your running shoes or bike is the best way to do that.

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Home bootcamp

The thought of a class-full of strangers watching you do awkward workout routines isn’t always appealing! Sure, the local gym might have some killer bootcamp workout classes. Maybe a spinning class or even kickboxing tuition. But for some of us, there’s no getting over the embarrassment. So, why not do it at home? There are lots of tutorials online, and you can pick one that matches your energy levels. Try doing one in the morning before you go to work.

Low impact workouts

If you’re relatively new to exercising, it’s best to start slow. Try a few low-impact workouts first, before moving up the ladder. A good example is yoga. Yoga is a great way to stretch your muscles and start working those core muscles. You’ll begin to build some deep strength in your stomach and upper body. You’ll improve flexibility, and help clear your mind too. Another low impact option is walking. Take a gentle hike in the hills, or simply walk to work instead of using the car.

Office workouts

We all know that sitting down at the computer for eight hours a day is bad for us. So, why not make it a little more productive by doing the odd workout at your desk? Try some bicep curls while you’re on a long call. Do some squats while you reply to your emails or try some stretches while you read the essential reports.

Join a team

If going to the gym doesn’t keep you interested, try joining a team. The social element alone is enough to keep you motivated. But, more importantly, there’s a big aspect of competition which will feed your desire and passion! We recently joined a local football team, and we’ve been hooked ever since. They upload all the results and fixtures onto a football management software, so we can all access it. It’s a fantastic way to stay involved.

As you can see, there are lots of different ways to stay active and fit. Best of all, you don’t have to go anywhere near a sweaty gym!