Quit the gym and get fit

Simply belonging to a gym won’t get you buns of steel. You have to actually go there and work out…regularly. But logging an hour on the treadmill or the elliptical trainer isn’t the only way to get into shape. If you’ve fallen off the fitness track time after time, chances are that you just haven’t found a program that fits your lifestyle or your personality. Finding time for a daily workout isn’t hard. In fact, you can turn your everyday activities into an opportunity to get exercise and improve your health and your frame of mind. Embrace a more active lifestyle and you may never need to go to the gym again.

Despite the fact that gym memberships are at an all-time high, most people still don't get enough exercise. We drive to the grocery store, sit at our computers and then come home and watch television. An hour or two at the gym just can't compensate for that much inactivity. That's why it's important to develop an exercise routine that you will enjoy and look forward to - one that you will become part of your life.

Your route to personal fitness should be just as individual as your fashion style. Just because your best friend swears by Pilates doesn’t mean that it’s right for you. If sweating it out in a class with thirty other people doesn’t appeal to you, then try something else. What you do isn’t as important as doing it regularly. Experts say that you'll get the maximum benefit by working out at least three times a week for about 30 minutes. But, if exercise feels like torture, you'll find plenty of excuses to sit on the couch. So find something that you really enjoy.

Think outside of the gym. If you like to swim, find a local pond and take the plunge. If you love antiques, chart a walking route through your town's historic district. Take your dog on a hike in the woods. Ride your bike to work or jump rope with your daughter. Stay active and you'll get a much better workout than you did from carrying around your gym membership card. Here are a few tips to get you moving and keep you fit.

Be aware of your body clock. If you hit the snooze alarm more than twice, you'll never get up at dawn to run. Plan to exercise after work or on your lunch hour. If you are nodding off a nine o'clock, don't fight it. Just get up earlier and work out then. You'll feel more alert and ready to face the day.

Exercise with friends. It's hard to find time to catch up on conversation. Plan to walk or rollerblade three times a week at 6am. Reward yourself with a cappuccino and a chance to chat afterwards.

Fire your housekeepers Vacuuming the house burns about 250 calories. Cleaning the bathroom, mowing the lawn and washing your care are all great ways to get exercise and get something done around the house.

Mix up your routine Walk three mornings and swim at the Y two evenings a week. Combine aerobic exercise with weight bearing activity for the most benefit. Keep it interesting and you'll be more likely to continue.
Think seasonally Swim in the summer, cross country ski in the winter, hike in the fall, play tennis in the spring. Having something active that you love to do in every season will help you keep you toned, fit and looking forward to the coming months.

Master the Mini-workout Opt for stairs instead of the elevator, get off at a bus stop that's an extra block away, keep 2lb free weights in your desk and tone your arm muscles instead of heading to the vending machine.

Join a dance class Corral a group of friends to take tango lessons or ballroom dancing. Soon, not only will you be able to cut the carpet at your niece's wedding, but you'll have improved cardio rates as well.

Help a cause Sign on to walk, bike or swim for a charity fundraiser. Knowing that sponsors are counting on you to walk 50 miles to raise money for breast cancer is real motivation. Ask a friend or two to join you for extra incentive.

Exercise should be fun and be part of the active life you lead - not something that is separate, unrelated and relegated to the gym. Look for opportunities to make active choices. Shop for groceries on-line and you only burn 17 calories. Walk to the store and carry home the bags and you use over 300 calories (plus get added benefit of weight bearing and aerobic activity!). Drive to work and you use 30 calories. Bicycle three miles and you use 135 calories and build lean muscle. Although these numbers are not huge, over the course of a week, they add up. You could easily burn up 400 calories - the equivalent of a one-hour gym workout without even trying. Best of all, regular exercise will become a part of your life and you might even be able save that monthly membership fee at the gym and treat yourself to a new pair of cross trainers.