Alternatives to the gym

dollymixture778

Hi All,

I have decided to quit my current gym today In November I sprained my knee and it was getting better. I decided to up my walking, just by a little and I have a pedometer which records my steps and calories burned. I was concerned when I first sprained my knee that I would put on weight, when in fact I have lost a extra pound or two.

There is a budget gym (in my building) that will open at a fraction of the price that I have been paying in the Spring. From £44 to £11. Also a couple more gyms have sprung up in the area cheaper too.

I figured what I could do in the mean time is ensuring I get lots of walking in and the odd swimming session.

I am started to think that the gym I wasn't losing anymore weight and I was getting fed up before the knee sprain. I am going to check out one off classes run in local halls.

Any other ideas or thoughts.

jen10st

My new favorite thing is running I'm addicted to it and even joined a local running club which is brilliant and I'd recommend doing that to everyone. I had to give up the luxury of the gym as it was too expensive at the time. I'm guessing you're uk based from the £ not $ signs. I bought a great weight set from Argos today as I wanted to continue on toning aswell as losing weight through running and they have lots of fitness items on sale at the moment. Swimming is also a great exercise for when I feel like a change and is low impact on knees and ankles etc. I tried a few exercise classes but didn't really find one I enjoyed enough to stick to but I will go occasionally with friends more as a social thing but a lot of my friends love them so to each her own on that one. Hope that helps with a few ideas.
Oh and I am thinking of trying a few exercise DVDs for when the weather is just too nasty for outdoors exercises.
Good luck :happy:

rosieg1979

You Are Your Own Gym, by Mark Lauren.

There's a book, and really good app. No equipment required. Loads of bodyweight strength building exercises from the relatively easy to ones I reckon very few people could do.

nc805397

I've got a bunch of exercise dvds too! I got a Zumba dvd collection and I LOVE IT!

Also, I agree the gym can get boring...same old, same old. Routine. Boring.
I recently spiced up my exercises by seeking other fitness options in the city I live in. I joined a hot yoga studio (I go 4 days/week) and I also looked for a dance class. I did my 2nd day of a burlesque barre class today! What a fabulous way to spice up your exercise!
Look for coupon specials in your local paper or other first-timer discounts because these yoga and/or dance studios are not going to be cheaper than the regular gym.

Depends what you're looking for and what you enjoy though. To me the money is well spent in the yoga and dance classes because I enjoy going to them 110% more than the gym where I would use a circuit

nc805397

oh, and I agree, running is fantastic (and free!) and a great way to get some fresh air

livingdeadlifter

Try Zuzka Light (Zuzana) - she has a Youtube channel of minimal-to-no equipment circuits that really work you out. Try rock climbing, hiking, yoga, any bodyweight strength program, walking, dancing...

bms34b

Walking is fantastic, and I also highly suggest the website www.doyogawithme.com for free HD yoga videos.

Yogi_Carl

You Are Your Own Gym, by Mark Lauren.

There's a book, and really good app. No equipment required. Loads of bodyweight strength building exercises from the relatively easy to ones I reckon very few people could do.

Yes - I second this. Using this book currently and seeing some good results.

DavPul

take up yoga. you can do it at home no matter what the weather and it probably won't bother your knee.

I am started to think that the gym I wasn't losing anymore weight and I was getting fed up before the knee sprain. I am going to check out one off classes run in local halls.
.

if you're not losing weight, check your calorie intake. losing weight has very little to do with being at a gym or not. always check your diet when losing or gaining weight is an issue

pkw58

Congrats on taking up walking with a knee sprain and losing weight while doing it! I agree with most of the other posters. I lost all my weight (45 pounds this year) with walking , yoga and Barre 3. None of which I did at a local gym!

I would also suggest some sort of monitoring device..a fit bit, nike fuel band, or maybe one of the new jawbone Up's..

Good luck and I hope your knee is mending well!