Workouts You Can Do Without a Gym Membership

Did you know that only 16% of the American population has a gym membership? That’s actually not that surprising given the fact that gym memberships can get expensive, it takes time to drive to the gym, and fitness just isn’t a top priority for a lot of the American population. However, as a fitness fanatic who is not a part of the 16% of the population with a gym membership, I know it’s possible to get in shape without one.

2019 is coming to a close, so now is the time to make your last-ditch efforts on your 2019 New Year’s Resolutions and start getting in shape. For those of you who want to start working out, but don’t want to sign on to a gym membership, check out my favorite ways to workout outside of the gym.

YouTube Videos

If you don’t have access to a gym, or even if you do have access to a gym, but just don’t know what to do at the gym, YouTube is your friend. If you’ve never looked on YouTube for a workout before, you’d be surprised to find out how many great ones are available for free. Here are some of my favorite workouts to do on YouTube.

1. Alexis Ren Ab Workout
2. Alexis Ren Ten Minute Beach Butt Workout
3. Gabriella Whited 3 Minute Workout Series
4. Any of the Naturally Sassy Ballet Blast Workouts

There are so many more options on YouTube, but these are some of my absolute favorites because a lot of them don’t require any weights or bands. They’re also all relatively short, so you can mix and match up workouts and do them all from your bedroom.

Go for a Walk or Hike

Whether you’re just taking your dog through a walk in your neighborhood or hiking a nearby trail, get out there and move! The weather is starting to cool down, so now is the perfect time to start working out outside. You’d be surprised how many calories you burn walking. Just put on a podcast and go for a walk. It’s easy and free, so it doesn’t get much better than that.

Use a Workout App

Like YouTube videos, there are so many guided workout programs available on the app store. Whether you’re looking for a yoga program, running program, or bodyweight exercise program, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in an app.

Back in college, my roommate, little, and I used Runtastic Results for a few months and we really saw some improvements. However, our RA on the floor below us did not enjoy the sound of our burpees everyday at 3 pm. Anyways, we really liked this app because it’s only $10 a month, consisted of all bodyweight exercises, and got gradually more and more challenging. On the first day you use Runtastic Results, you complete a baseline fitness assessment, so the app generates a plan that fits your fitness level and your goals. Plus, you check-in after each workout, so the app knows how fast you’re improving. It’s a really great app, and if you only have $10 a month to spend on fitness, this is the way to go.

Start Running

Running is my favorite way to workout (aside from ballet) and it’s something you can do for free. You don’t need a fancy gym membership to head out your door and get a crazy intense workout in. I love running because I can use it as my me-time where I just listen to music or a podcast or I can use it as social time if I run with a friend. The only gear you truly need is a good pair of running shoes and then you’re good to go.

I love all of these workouts and I especially love that I can do them on my own schedule whenever I can fit them in. I don’t have to drive to a gym, workout before 8 pm, or pay a ton of money to exercise. However, if you’re still struggling to get motivation to workout, check out my blog post all about staying motivated to exercise.