You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it’s still true: Being fit is about more than just working out. Sure, that’s important, but being fit encompasses everything you do daily to keep your body healthy.
The truth is that being active doesn’t necessarily have to take place in a gym or with a group — it can be as simple as taking the stairs at work or going for a walk after work. There are so many ways to stay in shape and avoid the gym. Here are the best ways to do it.
1. Exercise Is About More Than Just Moving Weight
It’s easy to get caught up in working out and forget that it’s not just about moving weight. Fit isn’t just about being big and bulky — it’s also about being toned. You can’t just squat and lift weights if you’re not in shape. Exercise is about just moving weights, but it’s also about moving your joints.
It can improve your muscle tone but also reduce your risk of certain types of arthritis, help you sleep better at night, and ward off cognitive decline. In other words, exercise isn’t just good for you — it’s good for your whole body.
2. Get Moving
A study published in the “American Journal of Preventive Medicine” found that people who were the most active had a 27 percent lower mortality risk than those who were the least active. In other words, getting more active can significantly lower your risk of dying from several different health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
The key to getting more active isn’t working out for hours at a time — it’s moving your body in various ways throughout the day. For example, stand up and walk around instead of sitting at your desk for hours. Get up to put away files or open your email — that way, you’re still getting some movement in, but it’s not hours of sitting.
3. Eat Right
Most people don’t realize this, but what you eat can also help you stay in shape. A study published in “Nutrition Reviews” found that eating a healthy diet (low in fat and sugar) can help you lose weight, even if you’re not working out. That’s because healthy dieting is about more than just calorie counting. Eating a healthy diet ensures you get the proper nutrients — vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
You also want to make sure that you eat whole foods instead of processed foods that usually lack essential nutrients. Eating a healthy diet can help you lose weight in various ways — it can ward off type 2 diabetes, help you sleep better at night, reduce cognitive decline, and improve your heart health.
5. Don’t Sit All Day
It’s really easy to get into the habit of dipping into your workday by sitting for hours. But that’s a terrible way to stay fit. The truth is that sitting for long periods is terrible for your health — and it also destroys your muscle tone.
Sitting down for long periods causes your body to burn fewer calories and causes your muscles to atrophy. That’s why fitness experts say it’s important to stand up whenever possible during the workday. When you’re not at work, stand up as much as possible — even while talking on the phone. That way, you’re still getting some movement in.
6. Take A Shower
If you’re anything like most people, you probably spend too much time in the gym and not enough time in the shower. If that sounds familiar, you might want to rethink that.
Showers are one of the best times to exercise because you can move your arms and legs and scrub every inch of your body. You could even do squats and lunges while you’re in there — that way, you’re getting a cardio workout while you clean up.
Not only is bringing in some cardio while cleaning up one of the best ways to stay in shape, but it’s also a great way to reduce stress. That’s because movement releases endorphins in the brain to reduce stress and help you relax.
7. Get A Standing Desk
Getting a standing desk is a key to getting in some movement while working. Standing up can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, improve cognitive function, reduce cognitive decline, and prevent heart disease. Plus, standing up can also make you feel better.
A study published in “The Journal of Urology” found that people who stood up to work (or stood up for short periods, like while talking on the phone) had a lower risk of heart disease than those who sat down for long periods—standing up.
At the same time, working can help you avoid carpal tunnel syndrome and lower your risk of chronic back pain. If your boss won’t let you stand up, another good option is to use an ergonomic chair. Getting a standing desk or using an ergonomic chair is one of the best ways to stay in shape and avoid the gym.
8. Swim A Few Times A Week
It’s a low-impact sport that doesn’t require a gym membership and doesn’t involve weights. Swimming is also a great way to keep fit because it can be done almost anywhere — you don’t even need a pool.
It is also a great way to get in some cardio, as it can burn up to 500 calories in an hour (that’s more than running can burn in the same amount of time).
9. Walk Or Do Some Other Form Of Daily Movement
It doesn’t matter if you’re going for a quick walk in the park or going for a long walk outside the city; walking can be a great way to get in some movement and get your heart rate up.
It’s also important to get outside during the day — that way, you’re getting some movement in while the sun is out. You’re also getting sunlight exposure, which can help reduce cognitive decline. Instead of just sitting at your desk, get up and walk around. It’s a great way to get in some movement and avoid sitting at your desk all day.
Conclusion
With so many ways to stay in shape that don’t involve going to the gym, there’s no reason not to find a method that works for you. Experiment with different workout methods and find one that fits your schedule and fitness goals. And remember, even small changes can make a big difference when it comes to staying healthy and keeping your body in top form!