When the gym ain't your thang
For some the gym is seen as their sanctuary, the place they go to regain their sanity, destress and sweat out the worries of the day. For me on the other hand, I couldn't think of anything worse than having to go to the gym to exercise, I've tried it before and I find it super intimidating and very chore-like. Now as much as I don't like gyms, that doesn't mean I don't like exercise (ok sometimes I just wanna Netflix not lunge), and while weight loss surgery is a massive help in shifting the excess poundage, it's not a miracle cure and I kinda need to move it to lose it.
Do you want that healthy glow of someone who consistently goes to the gym without actually going to the gym? Well I'll let you, and my buddy Kirk Gleason in on a little secret (if you haven't met, Netflix Gilmore Girls stat), it is possible, just keep reading, and the best bit...they're all FREE.
Walking
Walking is probably one of the most underrated exercises in my opinion, not only is it great cardio and can get your heart rate pumping, it's also low impact and can really help trim those thighs (especially if you're walking uphill), and help clear your mind. I aim for 10,000 steps a day and sitting in front of a computer screen for 8 of my waking hours does not help me reach my goal, which is why I love to have a 45-60min walk in the evenings to up my steps, and forget about the stresses of the day.
Tip: have your active wear and trainers at the front door, so that when you get home you can simply change and go (no excuses).
Joanna Soh - 10,000 Indoor Step Challenge
For a large part of my journey so far the majority of my exercise has come from walking outdoors, but what's a girl to do when it's raining, or it's cold, or you get home and it's too dark or late to go for a walk?
Meet Joanna Soh, Asia's leading wellness and fitness YouTube personality, her 10,000 indoor step challenge video is my favourite way to exercise when I really just don't want to do anything. 30 minutes of fun walking exercises that get your heart pumping and give you about 5,000 steps, Joanna's workout is low impact, fun and I promise you once you're done you feel energised and accomplished.
FitOn App
The FitOn app is one of my favourite discoveries for free workouts, whether you're looking for a calming meditation before bed or a heart pumping HIIT workout this app has it all. Choose from celebrity trainers like Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union and get your body moving with short, effective workouts that you can do anywhere. I personally love the quick office stretch workouts, which I find help so much with the aches and pains that come with working an office job. No equipment? No worries, there is even a section specific for no equipment workouts, so there really is a workout for everyone. Being a typical Gemini, I like variety in every aspect of life and with the FitOn App I choose the workout I want to do in the morning and simply cast it to my TV with Google Chromecast.
Get the FitOn app on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Jane Fonda's Original Workout
Dig out your best 80's aerobic outfit, tease your hair and get moving with the queen of fitness Jane Fonda. I have loved this workout since I was 5 years old, I remember standing in the lounge room and doing the VHS version of it with my mum, although 26 years later the ol' body isn't as flexible as it used to be. I rediscovered this workout on the free, streaming app Tubi TV , and it has once again become one of my favourite workouts. If you're looking for a fun, easy to follow workout Jane's ya girl.
Tip: the Tubi TV app also has a well stocked collection of a variety of workouts from dance and pilates to stability ball workouts and HIIT.
Who doesn't love a little Pinterest, I can honestly find myself spending hours a day just scrolling through the app going down rabbit hole after rabbit hole. But in-between getting meal prep ideas and dream home decor, Pinterest is a hidden gem for finding workouts. Want to shrink your waist? There's an inforgraphic for that, need to get rid of thigh fat? Pinterest has you covered. With most of the exercises displayed in infographic form it makes it easy to follow, while allowing you to perfect your form at your own pace to prevent injuries.
Check out my Workout pinboard for some of my pinned favourites.
Ballet/Barre Workouts
Ballet has always been my favourite exercise that doesn't feel like exercise, I started when I was 3 years old and continued up until I was almost 14 (my dream was to become a prima ballerina). As an adult, about a year before I started my bariatric surgery journey I rediscovered my love of ballet. If you're after a full body workout that gives you the long, lean muscles of a dancer then ballet or barre workouts are for you. Not only is ballet a full body workout, it does wonders for your coordination, balance, posture and flexibility. Don't want to look out of place in a full on ballet class? Head to YouTube for former New York City Ballet soloist Kathryn Morgan's ballet classes and workouts, you'll be a plié queen in no time.
What are some of your favourite non gym workouts? Let me know in the comments.