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5 No Workout “Workout” Tips Outside the Gym

gym treadmillsWhat gym?

I don’t know about you, but the word “gym” makes me feel tired already. Those big exercise machines can really intimidate me. And when I see people with washboard abs walking around … I start thinking to myself, why the heck did I eat that cheeseburger last night??

So a few years back, I completely gave up going to the gym. (I’ve since started again, but that story is for another day)

But the decision to not go to the gym didn’t mean I gave up moving. As we age, we get tired easily. Believe me, I know. But that’s not an excuse for us to sit more. Sitting is the new smoking.

Yep, too much sitting can kill you.

So, here are some tips on what you can do to keep fit without really working out.

1. Dance.

You don’t have to be as good as Beyonce. Just start moving and have fun doing it. Take a dance class or do it at home. I actually have 2 fantastic dance fitness videos to recommend :)

Go ahead and move your feet from side to side … keep your feet apart … sway those hips, left to right … it’s really easier than you think.

Customize a playlist. This may actually shock you. I don’t exclusively listen to Christian music. I am a huge Maroon 5 fan and I have a Justin Timberlake channel on my Pandora app. If you’re an 80s fan like me I also highly recommended are “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston.

office stretch break2. Make the office your gym.

Unless your office is on the 46th floor, take the stairs. Make it a habit. It’ll grow on you. Stand up and walk around every now and then. Organize your workplace in such a way that you have to move your body. Place the files where you have to reach for them, put the supplies farther so you have to walk or bend to get them.

Do some “deskercise”. Yes, there is such a thing!

These are just simple moves you can do to avoid being sedentary like touching your toes under your desk every now and then or wall-sit for 30-60 seconds. Go Google some of these deskercise ideas, they’re genius!

3. Run.

Run for one song…or more. The best running songs? The "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor. Channel Sylvester Stallone's ‘Rocky’ in you. Who knows, you might actually like running.
Choose your own playlist. But don’t choose songs that will remind you of a heartache or a bad date, deal?

cardio cleaning4. Clean the house.

It is a physical activity, so it definitely counts. Play your dance or run playlist while vacuuming, picking up the kids’ toys or washing dishes. Clean the bathroom. But you have to do these things more often and more intense. We need to keep the heart pumping.


5. Walk.

Hit the malls! Even better, take a friend. It doesn’t matter if you’re not buying anything. The idea is to do long walks with a “view”. But if your bestie likes to stop at every store, or wants to try every restaurant at the food court, find a way to politely leave her at home next time. It’s better to walk alone than to walk with someone who isn’t supportive of your goals.

A sedentary lifestyle puts you in so many health risks. So, engage in physical activities that’ll work for you. “Working out” is not work at all if you enjoy what you’re doing.

Our goal is to be healthy, not skinny.

Hey hey, I just saved you at least one month of gym membership fees! You’re welcome ;)

Kristy McCarley is Founder and CEO of Shazzy Fitness. She writes blog articles about faith, dance, exercise, fitness and wellness. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter


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