Categories: Fitness

5 Ways To Stay Fit Without A Gym Membership

I’ll be the first one to admit, I am just not the gym type. Anyone who knows me knows that I haven’t stepped foot in a gym since high school (I’m a junior in college). I feel so awkward there, and quite frankly I just don’t like it. Those people that feel great after a good workout? Can’t say I’m one of them. I also don’t eat the best all time, so lets just say I could be better. However, I wouldn’t necessarily categorize myself as lazy.

Even though I’m no gym junkie, I’ve always managed (for the most part) to keep from gaining any weight in college. I dodged the freshman fifteen, and I’ve been good since. This has shocked many people (myself included), but if you’re anything like me and the gym just isn’t for you, here are 5 ways to stay fit without a gym membership.

1. Walk, walk, and walk some more

Living In the city for 3 years with no car, this has become routine for me. However, I realize depending on where you live and if you have a car, it’s a lot harder. Regardless, it wouldn’t hurt anybody to walk a little more. If something takes you 5 minutes to get to in a car, and it’s accessible on foot, just walk there. Taking time out of your day to really get a good walk in is crucial. You don’t even have to be going somewhere–just put your headphones in and walk.

2. Smaller meals, snack a lot

I feel like this is first on everything you read about trying to lose weight. While I don’t think this can even be proven, it seems to have worked for me. I’ve always been a big snacker, but when it comes time for meals I never eat a ton. You don’t have to beat yourself about what kind of snacks, as long as it’s not hot Cheetos and everything in between.

3. If possible, find a job where you’re on your feet a lot

Again, I realize this isn’t attainable for everyone. I work in the restaurant and bar industry, so I rarely sit. I’ve also worked in retail, so I know that struggle too. If possible, find a job where you might be standing for a long time. It definitely wears on you physically, but it likely has a lot to do with how many calories you’re burning.

4. Don’t eat out a ton

Preaching to the choir again, but it’s true! I love going out to eat and I love my McDonald’s, but eating it all the time will get you. Not only is it so expensive to eat out all the time, but it’s fattening! You can make an amazing pasta for half the cost, with not as much junk in it that a restaurant might have. It also makes it that much more enjoyable when you do get a nice cheese pizza or meal from McDonald’s when you’re not eating it 24/7.

5. Don’t. Drink. As. Much.

The number one issue people can’t seem to ever solve when it comes to weight is drinking. Any kind of alcohol has so many calories, and it automatically takes a toll on your body. I’ll admit, I like to drink–and I mean drink, drink. It’s fun, and you’re only young once. But even after turning 21, I just don’t go out as much as I used to. If this is near impossible for you to do, try and drink vodka vs. beer all the time.