How to stay active without hitting the gym
When many of us think of getting fit, we picture early morning sweat sessions at the gym or lifting weights in a fluorescent-lit room full of mirrors. But staying active doesn’t have to mean slogging it out at your local fitness centre. When juggling work, family, and life’s daily demands, the gym isn’t always the most realistic - or enjoyable - option.
Fortunately, there are countless ways to stay active that don’t involve a treadmill, a membership card, or lycra. Whether you’re after low-impact movement, outdoor adventures, or just more energy in your day, here’s how to keep fit without setting foot in a gym.
1. Embrace the great outdoors
We’re lucky to live in a country where nature practically calls our name. From beaches to bushland, coastal tracks to city parks, Australia is an outdoor lover’s paradise - and the perfect backdrop for exercise that doesn’t feel like a chore.
A brisk 30-minute walk around your neighbourhood, local trails, or beach can do wonders for your heart health, mental clarity, and mood. It’s also low-impact and easy to fit into your day. If you’re up for something more challenging, explore some of our many national parks with hiking trails of varying difficulty.
If cycling is more your thing, a leisurely pedal along a shared path or a weekend road ride with mates is an excellent way to build stamina and leg strength while exploring your surroundings. And since we have access to some of the world’s best beaches and public pools, swimming is a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. Even a game of beach cricket or a paddleboarding session can get your body moving while having a blast.
2. Active commuting
If you feel like there’s never enough time in the day, why not turn your commute into an opportunity for fitness? You could walk or ride to work if you live within a reasonable distance, and even if it’s just to the train station or a couple of blocks from your office, it adds up. You can also get into the habit of parking further away from your destination and walking the rest of the way, or taking the stairs instead of the lift. They might seem minor, but these habits can make a big difference over time.
Incorporating movement into your daily routine is one of the easiest ways to increase activity levels without having to carve out extra time.
3. Move more at home
Not a fan of public spaces, or do you prefer to keep it low-key? Your home can be your personal wellness space, whether you have equipment or not. Some things to consider include:
- Bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and jumping jacks, require minimal space and time to perform. Set a timer for 15–20 minutes and cycle through a set routine
- Stretching or yoga - roll out a mat and follow an online yoga or Pilates session. Thousands of free videos are available, catering to all levels; search for them on Google
- Dance it out - no rules here, so turn up your favourite playlist and dance around the house. It’s fun, mood-boosting, and burns calories too!
- Chores that count - housework, gardening, and even a DIY project can double as physical activity. Mowing the lawn, vacuuming, or digging up weeds can get your heart rate up while you tick a job off the list
4. Join a social sport or group activity
One of the best motivators for staying active is the combination of accountability and enjoyment. Being part of a group or participating in a social sport is excellent for both physical fitness and mental well-being, as well as fostering community connections. Check what’s available in your area, such as:
- Local sports clubs - most suburbs have friendly, non-competitive teams for everything from netball and soccer to bowls and touch footy
- Community classes - think Zumba, tai chi, aqua aerobics or outdoor boot camps. They’re fun, accessible, and often run at local halls, parks, or pools
- Parkrun - if you’re up for a weekly challenge, check out your local parkrun. It’s usually a free 5km run or walk held every Saturday in parks across Australia, open to all ages and abilities
5. Set a routine - but keep it real
While flexibility is one of the best things about ditching the gym, it’s still helpful to establish some routine. The Department of Health recommends aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. That could be a walk before work, yoga during lunch, or a bike ride on the weekend.
You might want to track your movement with a fitness app or journal if that helps your motivation, but remember, any movement is better than none. Be kind to yourself and establish a routine that suits your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Final thoughts
Staying active without the gym is possible, and it can be more enjoyable, affordable, and sustainable. With some creativity and commitment, you can discover activities that genuinely suit your interests and naturally fit with your lifestyle.
So, whether it’s a sunset beach walk, dancing in your lounge room, or cycling through the park with friends, there’s no one way to stay fit - just the way that works best for you!
And if you need cash to buy a new bike or some equipment to help you exercise, we’re always here to help. Discover our cash loans of up to $5,000 to see how quickly and easily you can borrow extra funds. Once a loan is approved, the money is typically deposited into your bank account within a few hours, which means you can start your new workout routine sooner rather than later.