Looking for a gym-free workout? Are you stuck in the same out routine at the gym? 30 minutes on the cardio machine, a circuit or two of the weight machine and then you’re done? Has your progress plateaued leaving you frustrated and unmotivated? Tired of the ‘scene’ at your local gym? Or maybe you’re just not thrilled at the idea of being inside a smelly gym when the sun is shining and there is a nice breeze outdoors. If so, then here’s some fun gym-free workouts to bust your gym rut!
- Take your workout to the woods! If you’ve been following me on Instagram, then you know I love MovNat! What’s that you ask? Besides being the original gym-free workout, it’s a system for teaching and training normal and natural movement patterns- ones that many of us have lost or are deficient in because so much of our modern lives are oriented around being ‘chair shaped’ humans. Though doing workouts outside is not required, it makes it so much more fun to be outside as you balance on a log, jump from rock to rock, or climb a tree. (See this video and tell me that doesn’t look like way more fun than 30 minutes on the dreadmill?!) It feels more like playing than working out! Practice these movements and I dare say you’ll be more able to keep up with your kids as they play outside! (They are playing outside, right???)
- Try an aerial silks or yoga class! More like vertical dancing, aerial silks can be a great way to indulge and augment a creative, flowing type movement practice. It takes both flexibility AND strength to climb the fabric and do some of the moves. Aerial silks are fun way to take your yoga practice to new heights (pun intended!) or work towards your first pull-up. If you are a Hudson Valley local, check out Hudson Valley Circus Arts for classes. I’ve taken classes from Mai Frank and she’s a fantastic instructor!
- Parkour!!! (Have you seen that episode of The Office?) Parkour is an AWESOME gym-free workout! Again, you’ll be having so much fun, an hour long class will FLY by. Don’t be intimidated by the versions of Parkour that you see in the movies or on YouTube. Those folks are long term practitioners of this movement discipline. The basics of Parkour are accessible to everybody with a body! For Hudson Valley locals, check out Innate Movement Parkour in Kingston, NY. The instructors are fantastic! Both encouraging and safety conscious, they emphasize safe movement progressions tailored for the individual. They offer classes for both adults and kids, of all ability levels. If you’re a parent with a hyperactive child and you are dreading the approach of summer & the kids being home from school- definitely check out their summer camps!
These are all gym-free workouts I have tried and LOVED! Give them a try and your might find yourself in the best shape of your life!
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