If you’re a “gymaphobe,” have no fear. Expensive memberships, confusing machines, time restrictions, and intimidating rock-hard bodies can be avoided on the path to fitness.
There are ways to get fit without going to the gym, and they range from the outdoors to your bedroom.
Chris Garcia, senior English major and personal trainer at NSU’s RecPlex, said, “One of the advantages of exercising outside of the gym is that you’re not confined to gym space. You don’t feel like you’re in a box.”
Garcia explained that workouts outside the gym can be just as rewarding and don’t require special equipment.
“You can do lunges and squats,” he said. “Use at-home pull-up bars or simulate one by holding on to something as simple as a stair rail. Your body doesn’t know the difference between machine and no machine.”
Pradeep Vanguri, assistant professor in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and clinical coordinator for the Athletic Training Education Program, said that there are also many exercise DVDs and cable channels to help people get in shape at home. He said that the P90X DVD series and the Comcast FitTV network are two popular choices. And, for those looking for something less intense, Wii Fit is another option.
Getting in shape outside of the gym doesn’t have to mean getting in shape indoors.
“Pick a sport, like tennis, basketball, or running,” said Vanguri. “The weather in Florida is nice year round. It’s easy to get out, go swimming, and more.”
Garcia recommends that people getting fit outside the gym find a workout partner. Joining running, biking, hiking and kayaking groups are also options, Vanguri said.
Repetitive routines can get boring and Vanguri recommends alternating workouts weekly.
He said that it doesn’t really matter where people get in shape as long as they are active.
“The key to maintaining fitness, in or out of the gym, is to have an active lifestyle,” Vanguri said. “A minimum level of fitness is 30-45 minutes, 3-5 days a week, at a moderate level of exercise.”
Lack of time is often used to avoid exercise. But, Vanguri said that this is not an excuse.
“You’ll only have time if you make time,” he said. “You don’t have to go to the gym, but you have to do something.”
