4 Ways to Be More Active (that Don't Involve a Gym Membership)

By Kate Silver

This article originally published on GetOld.com

When is the last time you decided it was too hot/cold/dark/expensive/exhausting to go to the gym, and talked yourself out of it?

The truth is, you don’t need a gym membership to get in shape. You just need a little willpower and some fresh ideas to incorporate working out – and feeling better – in your daily routine, whether you’re at home or on the road. The key, says physical therapist David Reavy, who owns React Physical Therapy in Chicago, is to actively engage your muscles throughout the day, even when you’re sitting still. “The more muscle you have, the more calories you can burn. You can start to get in shape by using your muscles with everyday tasks,” says Reavy. “So you did a 30-minute abdominal class? That’s great – but the reality is your abdominals should always be working.” He shared some tips and tricks on how to engage your muscles and get in shape away from the gym floor.

*Be sure and check with your doctor before starting any new workout routine.

Whatever you do – YouTube workout, app-led exercises, or otherwise – be sure to warm up and engage all of your muscles, Reavy cautions. “Start with the dynamic warmup to get all of your muscles firing and then choose muscles and areas you need to strengthen,” says Reavy. By warming up and taking a whole-body approach to working out, you can build muscle and move more efficiently. You may even soothe aches and pains through conditioning.  

Feeling like you need to jumpstart your workout routine? Opt for activities that allow you to be active anytime, anywhere. Then, you have no excuse not to work out.

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