My gym is everywhere.
Two topics we have discussed in depth are training outside and being resourceful about our training. Today, I’ll give you some specific tips on how to use the world around you for a variety of workout options.
1. Any road that leads uphill is a sprint track.
Running uphill is also thought to stimulate form improvement by imposing demands that flat running does not…Hill sprints can increase stride power, build leg strength and increase running efficiency
2. Bars with a tiny bit of room beneath are everywhere and allow for modified pullups.
One of the great benefits of pullups is that they work a variety of muscles simultaneously.
3. The stairwell in your office building provides the perfect environment for break time walking.
Stair climbing requires significant energy and burns plenty of calories in a short period of time. Because of this, you can achieve the benefits of a longer, more moderate workout in a shorter amount of time. Stair climbing requires no special equipment and can be performed by most exercisers, regardless of their fitness level.
4. A quiet park serves as a body double for a yoga studio.
Improved flexibility is one of the first and most obvious benefits of yoga.
5. A smooth, large parking lot is a haven for folks with a pair of rollerblades.
The swift and repetitive action of skating helps you stay present and gives your brain reprieve from constant noise.
6. Solid walls are everywhere and they are ideal structures to throw, hit or kick a ball against. Repeat any of these actions over and over and bam, you’ve gotten a workout in.
On average, you’ll [burn] about 7 calories a minute kicking a soccer ball.
7. Any elevated platform (like a park bench) is perfect for explosive jumping. Use the height as a substitute for your gym’s boxes.
A box jump is simply jumping onto a box. To perform it correctly you should select a box height that challenges your jumping ability, but is not so high that it is your hip flexibility, rather than your muscular power that is allowing you to successfully complete the jump.
8. Use that same park bench or staircase for pushups with your feet elevated.
A decline push up is a variation of the basic push up that increases the difficulty significantly by placing your feet higher than your hands. Adjusting the bench height allows you to customize the intensity of your workout using just your body weight.
There is always a way to get a good workout in if you’re dedicated and resourceful. Now you have eight different ideas that require no membership fees. What can you add to this list?
Adding hotel room to the list! So many pieces of furniture to get creative with for a body-weight workout.
Between planking over two beds, using the desk/night stand/floor for push-up drop sets, luggage rack for a rear-foot elevated split squat… I’ve done some strange looking things when traveling to hotels without gyms.
Brenna, this is why I’m here. To read this. Exactly what you said. Nothing more, nothing less. Thanks for adding your spice.
The burpees is my go to exercise when I don’t have gym access 3 rounds of 21-15-9
Kyle says
I don’t always incorporate hills into my runs but I think some stairs or uphill-only runs will work wonders. How long of a ‘hills/stairs-only’ workout would you suggest?