Maybe you have increased your activity with NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis), but realize that what you doing isn’t intense enough for best metabolism and energy boosting benefits cardio benefits.
But, sure, there are plenty of obstacles to getting to the gym! Limited hours, long wait times for machines during peak times, and travel time put regular gym workout seemingly out of reach for many.
Fortunately, though, there are ways to get intense aerobic activity without a trip to a fitness center.
Here are some things to keep in mind before you start with more intense activity:
- Consult with your physician before beginning any intense exercise program.
- Think about your fitness goals: strength building, aerobic fitness, flexibility, weight loss.
- Review your schedule. Where can you carve out some time for a workout every day? You may need to vary the time of day your workout will be, as well as how long your workouts will be depending on how your day flows.
- Your workouts throughout the week should vary in intensity from light to moderate, to heavy. It is important to allow your muscles to rest.
- Your activities can vary according to your interests.
With this information in mind, here are some ways to incorporate some more intense physical activity into your life:
- Professionals who come to you. Engaging the services of a personal trainer can be invaluable to keeping you on track, adjusting your workouts based on items you already have at home, and ensure that you are using proper form to avoid injury.
- Online and/or video fitness classes. The video or DVD workouts have been around for a while. But if you want a little bit more variety or a class that is updated regularly, check online. Many fitness instructors offer online versions of a variety of classes. They are often not relegated to yoga, tai chi, or dance.
- Fitness trails at local parks. In an effort to increase community health, many municipalities have not only increased the number of walking, running, and biking trails. They have incorporated permanent fitness equipment with instructions on basic physical activities.
- Adult sports leagues and training groups. Want to train for a race like a triathlon? There’s a group for that. Still want to play soccer or basketball or tennis or revisit elementary school with kickball? There’s a league for that.
- Fitness Apps. You want to train for a 5K, or a 10K, or a marathon? There’s an app for that. You want 7 minute workout with a series of activities that you can repeat a few times if you have the time? There’s an app for that. You want a series of exercises targeting a certain area of your body, that may increase in number of repetitions? There’s an app for that. Need a reminder to drink more water? There’s an app for that. There are many applications available that can provide you instruction on activities to fit into your day.
Fitting an intense workout into your day can be a challenge. Luckily there are many options available that do not require you to go to the gym. Just do it!