I Finally Accepted That I’m Never Going To Be A Gym Person, Here’s How I Stay In Shape Instead

Shutterstock, EpicStockMedia
Shutterstock, EpicStockMedia

I haaaaaaate the gym. I practically break out in hives I hate it so much. I’ve come to accept the fact that I am just not a gym person – which is totally fine! Not everyone has to be, and I’d rather that $60 per month is spent on fun stuff like champagne and new sweaters and paying off my bills. But the older I get, the more I need regular exercise. I do NOT want a flat mom butt. No way. It’s winter, so my regular walks around the lake aren’t happening until the temp is back over 40 degrees. I don’t like being sedentary, and shopping is NOT cardio.

So if you’re gym-phobic and introverted like me, there’s no reason you can’t get exercise in the privacy of your own home. Just make a little space on the floor, unroll your mat and get going! No DVD purchase required.

Blogilates

Blogilates by Pilates instructor Cassey Ho is my hands-down favorite way to exercise at home. I’ve been using her super-handy (and free!) app for a little over a year, and now I’m attempting to get through her intense, take-no-prisoners January calendar – with some modifications. Cassey’s workouts are tough, but she’s easy to follow and motivating without being annoying. She makes me want to be stronger and healthier as a whole, not skinnier. If you choose, you can make her vegan recipes, but it’s not required and she’s not preachy about it. I’m writing this post-booty routine and my butt is SHAKING. It’ll be worth it!

YogaGlo

YogaGlo isn’t free – it’s $18/month. But when you consider that some yoga studios charge $100+/month to exercise in a room crammed full of sweaty strangers, $18 is a small price to pay. You get access to over 2000 classes in a variety of styles and time periods, so no matter your practice you can get your yoga fix in a quieter environment. Oh, and they offer an app too, so you can do it wherever you are! (I also love Yoga with Adrienne, which is free on YouTube.)

Ballet Beautiful

If I get through two of these short workouts, I feel like a champion. They’re taught by ballerina Mary Ellen Bowers, and if you want to sculpt long, slim muscles, Ballet Beautiful is a good place to start. I like to use them when I’m short on time but still want to get a short, effective workout in.

Sweaty Betty

These videos are more athletic and barre-based, with elements of Pilates. They’re tough, but easy to follow along with and are a nice way to work your whole body in a relatively short amount of time.

Circuit Training a la Lauren Conrad

Don’t laugh at me, but I really love this simple, effective, killer circuit training routine from Lauren Conrad. I know she’s basic but I love her anyway. This routine includes burpees. You have to do them. Burpees are terrible, but in one-minute increments they are a little easier to stomach. I really believe Lauren herself does this workout, which makes me more inclined to do it. Take 30 minutes to complete the circuit and you’ll feel amazing once you’ve completed it. Thought Catalog Logo Mark


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Kara Nesvig

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