We are often misled into believing that to get fit, you must go to the gym and lift weights. While weight training has multiple benefits such as strengthening your bones, building muscle mass, burning fats, and whatnot, many individuals are turned away by the thought of having to step inside a gym and pump iron. So does that mean that those who do not lift weights cannot get fit? And is weightlifting the be-all and end-all? Absolutely not! As other activities can help you stay fit and healthy. Let's take a look at some of these activities and how they can benefit you.
Yoga:
Yoga is one of the best ways to build that mind-body connection, to get strong, to improve your strength and balance; the list is long. Yoga is not just a form of breathing, but involves complex movements and requires great flexibility to perform. Besides, it helps individuals to build up discipline, improves mental health, and can even strengthen their immune system.
Zumba:
Another popular form of exercise that has gained momentum in India is Zumba. Zumba is not just a form of dance, but it involves complex movements too, acts as a full-body workout, helps burn calories and build cardiovascular strength, helps regulate your blood pressure, and can even be a social activity where you interact with friends and shake a leg.
Kickboxing:
Kickboxing is one of the best ways to release your stress and release all the negative energy that you have been building up. Studies have shown that kickboxing can even help build an individual's confidence and social skills, besides burning calories, strengthening your tendons and ligaments, and learning the art of self-defense when needed.
Cycling:
Another often overlooked fitness activity is cycling outdoors. Many hesitate to take up to this activity, as cycling outdoors is often something that children partake in, If you keep that aside and look at the benefits of cycling, you will realize that cycling is one of the best ways to strengthen your cardiovascular system, improve your joint mobility, burn body fats, and even reduce stress in many cases. So get over the fear of being judged and get pedaling.
Swimming:
One of the best forms of exercise for your joints and bones is swimming, as you get all of the above-mentioned benefits, with the added bonus of it being easy on your joints and bones. As you are floating in water, your joints are not subject to the same impact and forces that you would experience when working out on the ground. In fact, swimming is one of the best and most effective ways to strengthen your lungs and increase your stamina, something that is bound to help you in the long run.
If you are someone looking to get into shape but do not want to step foot inside the gym, then here are some of the best fitness alternatives you can find. So stop making excuses and get training!
Questions?