5 Alternative Workouts to try instead of Gymming

by Sangeeta | Workouts

5 Alternative Workouts to try instead of Gymming

Even though the word “gym” is derived from the ancient Greek word “gymnos” which means “naked”, it has become a synonym for the word “health” nowadays. Going to the gym has turned out to be a growing trend in the cities over the last several decades. There are many, including you possibly, who might be feeling quite confined in the social, physical and mental routine that the gym regime enforces on people i.e. repetitive and monotonous.

Make no mistake, exercise indoors or outdoors provides several physical and mental benefits. But take the same activity outdoors or mix up your routine with new activities, and the psyche increase significantly.  

Bangalore is probably the best city to try out alternative fun workouts. The city has a young crowd that wants to be active and keen to try something new instead of a gym. 

 

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Here are some workout ideas that are fun, equally effective and perfect alternatives to traditional gyms: 

 

 

Bouldering

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing performed on small rock formations (12-15 feet). Bouldering is a holistic and alternative fun workout and provides all-round fitness for the entire body, from the limbs to the core. Bouldering does not require too many equipment - all you need is a pair of climbing shoes (for better grip on the rock or wall), chalk (to keep your hands dry and absorb sweat) and bouldering mats or crash pads (to prevent injuries from falls).

If there was one alternative workout to try, this would be it. There are lots of options in and around the city if you want to try bouldering in Bangalore. If you don’t have the time to go outdoors, you could also try climbing on artificial walls which are inside the city. There are lots of climbing gyms where you could try indoor bouldering in Bangalore.

 

Swimming

Swimming is another wholesome form of exercise to get a full-body workout and a perfect gym alternative. For an hour of workout, swimming burns more calories than a gym workout at a moderate intensity. Not only does swimming help with burning calories, it is also great for muscle recruitment. Given that it is an intense aerobic exercise, it is great for increasing lung capacity. Swimming is also a much safer alternative to other cardio-vascular activities such as running. This form of workout is best suited for people who can’t put too much stress on the joints due to existing medical conditions.

 

 

Cycling/Biking:

Cycling is a top-notch cardio workout method. Biking is an activity suited for nearly all terrains and locations. A spontaneous trip on your cycle can help you burn about 400 calories in an hour. Cycling makes sense for those with exercise goals that are geared towards long term retention of muscle tone and body profile as it is one of the best form of exercise known today. Biking is the best way to get the heart pumping and legs moving, making it a powerful alternative to gymming. If you like going outdoors, Bangalore also has an active mountain biking community.

 

Trekking/Hiking:

Trekking is an endurance-focused workout. Trekking has plenty of benefits, from getting to amazing scenic places to experiencing the fresh air and sounds and smells of nature. Trekking helps in reducing anxiety, improving your mood. It also gives you the dose of fresh air as well as the essential Vitamin D for stronger immunity and healthier bones. Last but not the least, it is free and easy to pursue with friends as opposed to other, more adventurous outdoor activities.

 

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are considered some of the best activities for developing mental and physical well-being. Practicing yoga solely can aid in dealing with both stress and stiff muscles. People who prefer to learn it in group setting also can opt for yoga classes. However, take yoga outdoors and the experience is amplified significantly.

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