It’s the first week of the New Year… do you know who’s riding your stationary bike?
If you belong to a gym, then you’ve likely noticed a few new faces strolling around the locker room and several more bodies jostling for your favorite treadmill or elliptical machine. While you may not appreciate the company, the fact is that gym membership spikes during the first couple months of a new year. Some newbies are there to cash in on memberships received as holiday gifts, while others are making good on New Year’s resolutions to get fit in 2009.
If you have made a promise to shed weight and improve your health this year, but are not interested in shelling out money for a gym membership (or you simply rather sweat it out alone), then consider the following simple fitness tips that can be done without fancy equipment:
WALK… EVERYWHERE
The weather may not always be conducive to taking a leisurely stroll around your local park, but you can increase your cardio time by making a few simple changes to your daily routine. For example, consider parking your vehicle several blocks away from your office, the store or your place of worship and hoofing it for a few extra minutes per day. Or, get off the bus a couple stops prior to your destination and walk the rest of the way. Another tip: Take the stairs at work, instead of the elevator or escalator.
DON’T JUST SIT THERE
There’s nothing wrong with watching your favorite TV shows at night. However, instead of simply lounging on the couch for hours on end, consider walking on a treadmill, riding a stationary bicycle or using a stair climber while catching up on your beloved sitcoms and dramas. Ditto for when the TV is off. Rather than tempt yourself with a nap, play a game of tag with your kids or throw the ball around with your pet. You’d be surprised at how many calories you can burn by spending a few minutes wrestling with your Golden Retriever.
TAKE FITNESS BREAKS
Instead of taking a cigarette or coffee break, consider walking around your office or completing a series of desk exercises. At home, make a list of gardening chores or minor repair work that needs tending to and complete the tasks whenever you feel the urge to snack.
Related Articles:
More Tips on Staying Fit During the Holidays
How to Make Workouts a Priority During the Holiday Season
Don’t Let the Holidays Ruin Your Fitness Routine
How Often Do You Use Your Home Gym?
Bad Things Happen When You Stop Going to the Gym
Staying Ahead of Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions
Creating a Challenging Workout Routine
Exercising on the Road: No Excuses