2020 presented a lot of challenges for people who like to stay in shape at the gym. With many gyms still closed, a number of people have sought out alternatives to keep up with their fitness during these trying times. Here are some of the best methods to stay fit when going to the gym isn’t an option.
Running
Running is one of America’s most popular forms of exercise. Getting into running mostly requires some willpower, a plan, and a good pair of running shoes. Get your running to be a part of your life schedule, whether it’s three times a week after work, every weekend, something consistent. Runners World has a good guide for beginners with tips on how many times a week to run, how long to run, what distances you should start with and progress to, and how to increase your aerobic fitness.
Cycling Outdoors
Outdoor cycling exploded in popularity in 2020, making it harder to find a bicycle to purchase. One of the best ways to get into cycling is with an affordable bike to see if you enjoy the sport. BikesDirect sells affordable new bikes which require a minimum of at-home assembly that most anyone with a some basic tools (allen wrenches, screwdriver) should be able to do. Alternatively, you can look for a used bicycle on Craigslist, or check out bikes from Target and WalMart. If it turns out you enjoy cycling and start to do it with a degree of regularity, you can upgrade to a more expensive bike, which range from the high hundreds to thousands or even ten thousand dollars for the fanciest carbon fiber models with fancy, high-end components. Make sure you purchase some cycling shorts to prevent chafing, and a helmet and some visible lights for safety.
Peloton Indoor Cycling
Peloton has taken the nation by storm. It is an indoor cycling bike, which is nothing new really, a concept that has been around since at least the 80’s. What is new is that Peloton mimics going to an indoor cycling studio, with virtual classes where you have an enthusiastic instructor cheering you on and competitive leaderboards. Starting at $1,895, it is not a cheap commitment, but they do have a 30 day trial, and if you decide you don’t like it, you can return it with no hassle and free pickup.
Home Gym
The meaning of a home gym can vary substantially. For some, a bench, a bar, and some weights could be all you need. On the other extreme, complete home gym solutions such as the Bowflex offer a complete workout and can cost many hundreds or thousands of dollars. As with cycling, you may decide you want to start small, and see what you can get your level of commitment to be. If you decide you like working out in your home gym, and you have space for one in the garage or the basement, you could consider to upgrading to something more comprehensive like a Bowflex
Virtual Yoga Class
There are tons of virtual yoga classes to choose from, from local yoga studios online, to businesses that specialize in online yoga. All you need is a yoga mat and an internet connection. Some people are even hosting their own yoga classes for their friends, via Facebook Live or Zoom.
In Conclusion
If you want to stay fit, there are lots of alternatives to going to the gym. The hardest part is getting your new workout routine to be a part of your schedule, so that you do it on a regular basis. Since you do not have the destination of the gym to keep you honest, you need to figure out a good way to have the system of working out be a part of your everyday lifestyle.