Being realistic with your fitness goals is key – maybe ease into it and build a routine

Exercise is always on the top of the list for new year goals.  Usually there is a weight loss goal and a number of days in the gym.  Unfortunately, people get very excited and then the enthusiasm tapers off and by the end of January, only 9% of people are still focused on their goal. January is the one of the busiest and definitely the most profitable month for gyms.  (March/April is the busiest in attendance as people prep for swimsuit season).  But you can get fit without a gym members – especially if your goal is to move more.

For most people, that entails spending on gym membership, which you’ll use maybe half as often as you’d planned. But instead of spending/wasting money on a gym, what if you were able to get in shape on your own…for free? It sounds crazy, but here are the best ways to stay fit without a gym.

Work Out With A Buddy or Two

Everyone has a friend who is either addicted to exercise or is at least determined, like you are, to get in better shape. Make a standing date with your person—once a week, at least—to do some sort of outdoor physical activity. It can be a short jog in the park, a long walk around your neighborhood, running stairs, a game of tennis—anything as long as it gets you moving and lasts at least 30 minutes.

Play A Sport

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If you’re physically able, there’s no more fun—and inexpensive—way to get in shape than by playing a sport. There are opportunities for everyone, no matter what your skill level is. If you’re a former college or high school star athlete, then there are leagues in whatever city for you; if you’re just an average person who enjoys a bit of competition every now and again, you can start a casual pickup game of the sport of your choosing in a park with your friends.

Walk More

This sounds like overly simple advice but it works: whenever possible, make yourself walk more. If you live in a city requiring parking, park as far as possible away from your office or home so you have to walk farther. If you sit all day, try to take a short, five-minute walk once an hour or so. If you work on the fifth floor or lower, at least once a day you should take the stairs instead of the elevator. All those extra steps add up!

Bodyweight Exercises

There are dozens of exercises you can do literally anywhere as long as you have a little bit of space. These run from basic options (sit-ups) to the more elaborate ones(Contralateral Limb Raises). Here’s a list of 50.

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The important thing is to do some combination which works on your upper body, core, and lower body. But the best part of bodyweight exercises, aside from the results if you do them correctly, is their price: aside from a few basics like sneakers, workout clothes, and maybe a mat to make them more comfortable, they’re totally free.