Think you need a gym to get in shape? Think again. You can get fit in your everyday life by making small changes. From rethinking your morning commute to taking the stairs instead of the elevator, there are simple ways to be more active. Here are some tips to help you work on your fitness goals without a gym:
**Bike More, Drive Less**
How much time do you spend in your car? Americans spend nearly 300 hours annually in their cars, equivalent to seven 40-hour workweeks, according to a 2016 survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Instead of driving, try biking. Cycling burns just as many calories as jogging but is gentler on your joints, lowers blood pressure, and improves coordination. Plus, it boosts your aerobic and cardiovascular fitness. Regular exercise like cycling also sharpens your memory and prevents cognitive decline. Use a calorie burn tracker to monitor your progress and see how many calories you’re burning along your fitness journey.
**Work Out with Wearables**
Wearable technology can really enhance your fitness routine. In a survey by Rackspace, a cloud-computing company, 82% of respondents said wearable tech improved their lives. Devices like Bluetooth-enabled smartwatches and fitness trackers help you stay connected and active. For example, the Galaxy Gear S3 connects to the Samsung Health App, which automatically records your daily activities. The app’s goal-driven programs let you track your healthy habits, sleep patterns, and more. It also has a social feature to connect with friends for challenges or compare results with other users. The best part? Your data is collected seamlessly, so you can check your progress whenever you want.
**Track Your Meals**
Forget spreadsheets and calculators—meal tracking apps are much easier to use for logging your meals. Experts say losing weight starts in the kitchen, not the gym. Use an app like MyFitnessPal to keep track of your food intake. Studies show that keeping a food diary can double weight loss. MyFitnessPal is user-friendly, with a database of five million foods, including restaurant menus and calorie counts. The app also tracks your weight loss, motivating you to stay on track.
By making these small changes and using technology to your advantage, you can achieve your fitness goals without ever stepping foot in a gym.