6 Apps + 4 Workouts for Gym Haters

The gym. Some people absolutely adore it. Others go because they have to. Then there are some who despise it more than the word “moist.” Still, you need to exercise, because it is one ingredient in the elixir to a long, plentiful life. So, what do you do? Take it from this at-home workout fanatic: there are tons of gymless workout options out there to get you fit without ever stepping foot inside a fitness facility again.

The App Options

These are online apps or streaming services that you can simply plug into any device or connect to anywhere. It does not even have to be your house.

1 Physique 57 on Demand

Although this super popular barre studio has locations all around the world, you do not have to live near a studio to take their classes. Thanks to the streaming service, you can pick a variety of videos and customize your at-home barre workout. Barre is a wonderful option for people with reduced range of motion, because there is a lot of isometric movement.

The videos are also categorized by skill level, so you never have to worry about getting in over your head. The first week of your On Demand classes is free. After that, you pay either 30 USD a month for 3 months or 57 USD for no commitment.

2 Grokker

If you never heard of Grokker, now is the time to get acquainted. The platform is easy to navigate. You can choose from specific strengthening goals, workout types (ranging from bodyweight exercises to yoga), challenges, and bonus access to nutritional information.

The other plus to Grokker is that you can actually speak to professional trainers and instructors if you do not understand how to do something correctly or need advice. The first two weeks are free, and then you pay 14.99 USD monthly.

3 Beachbody on Demand

A solid platform that brings the top names and training programs in fitness (such as Shaun T.’s P90X, Insanity, and the 21 Day Fix) to you anywhere you are. The app connects to your smart TV, tablet, laptop, iPhone, or iPad. As you move through the diverse workouts, you get access to real-time data, like how many calories you have burned and your heart rate. The cost is 99.95 USD per year, which gives access to all new content. Otherwise, there is the 38.87 per quarter payment option.

4 Aaptiv

Like studio classes but hate paying for them? Time to check out the app called Aaptiv. With the app, you get on Demand fitness classes through audio cues and awesome music. There is a live instructor who tells you want to do in sync with the music.

Choose between classes like yoga, treadmill, elliptical, strength training, and running. Whether you have equipment at home or not, the program is great for those who have at least a pair of dumbbells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat. The price ranges from 4-9.99 USD per month.

5 Nike+ Run Club

Aside from this program being free, which is awesome, you are joining a global community. There are now also coaching programs called Get Started, Get More Fit, and Get Race Ready, all of which prime you for some serious goal setting. You can make your own running playlists or get social by sharing pictures of your run. Or you can join in to the weekly broadcast sessions that are led by NRC Head Coaches and Nike Pacers. It is really cool. A great option for beginners as well as seasoned runners.

Read also – 5 Reasons to Stop Following Fitness Gurus on Social Media

6 Zwift

Loving cycling and spinning but do not want to deal with reservations, crowds, or inclement weather? That is where Zwift comes in. Though it is an investment, it attaches to your bike, and you got a personal training system that is Bluetooth enabled and highly intuitive.

You can set the resistance on the bike prior to launching the virtually displayed setting. As the landscape shifts, the challenge translates into how hard you have a pedal. Ride solo or with friends. Perfect for a rainy day or for those who are not close enough to mountains to go biking. Zwift is also only 10.00 USD per month.

Other Activity Options

No apps, no problem. The world is your gym.

7 Calisthenics

I personally swear by calisthenics. Because the nature of bodyweight exercises allow them to be performed almost anywhere. Hit the park and do some push-ups, lunges, squats, one-legged deadlifts, and jumping jacks, or jump rope, or some form of plyometric exercise.

Another option is to go to the playground and climb the jungle gym. Wake up in the morning and hammer out some pushups and squats. Jog in place during TV commercials. Do wall-sits against the hotel wall. Really, there is no reason not to be able to get in some exercise. Wherever you go, there is something you can do.

8 Swimming

Whether you have access to a public pool, the ocean, your own pool, a lake, or river (hopefully unpolluted), going for a swim is a wonderful way to get full-body toning. In just 30 minutes, a 150-pound woman, 35 years of age can burn around 200 calories. That means paddling, doing some strokes, going up and down, and doing water-based exercises.

Since water helps smooth resistance and eases arthritic pain, it is perfect if you have musculoskeletal issues or are recovering from an injury. Other activities that might liven up your pool or ocean swimming experience include surf lessons, water yoga, Aqua Zumba, and other unique classes.

9 Kayaking

For the outdoorsy folk, grabbing a kayak is a great way to get an upper body workout while viewing a sylvan concourse. Ocean kayaking is another alternative if you live along or close to the seaside. Also, you might be thinking that kayaking is just going to tone up the arms right? Wrong.

Because you need to rotate the torso and apply pressure to the foot pegs inside, you also shape up the abs and legs. This does take some extra force, so if you are nursing an injury or have joint pain, slow paddling is best for you. See, kayaking (and canoeing) can be as intense as you want it to be. Whether you are looking for a relaxed, meditative paddle or exhilarating experience, you have plenty of options.

10 Dancing

You might decide to take an adult ballet class at the local studio or try popping in a Zumba DVD at home. Even just dancing around to the song on the radio is viable. Ideally, when you dance, you want to be as dynamic as possible. Use your body in different ways, with lots of twisting, bending, and isolations.

If you keep your heart rate up, you could burn around 300 calories in 30 minutes. Also, dancing is a great way to tone the core, because you have to keep the abdominals and glutes engaged to maintain balance and posture.

Read also – Your Ideal Yoga Style Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Getting fit is not about going to the gym day in and out. Getting fit involves adding activities to your life that stimulate the senses and get you moving. If the gym is not fun, then forget about it. Find something else that gets the blood pumping, because you will stick with that longer than the machines at the gym.