7 Ways to Exercise without Hitting the Gym:

Tuesday TIPS: It's summer time! We tend to be VERY busy this time of year too. SO, if you can't make it to the gym, on vacation or something, check this out for staying strong!

As a very busy person, having a gym membership doesn't always fit my schedule. It doesn't always fit people's pocketbooks either. Luckily there are many ways to get fit for much less time, money and hassle.

Get fit without a gym by using these tips:

•  Take advantage of free workout videos. These routines give you a lot of flexibility, as you can do them virtually anywhere, without equipment or a gym.

•  Walk when possible. Walking is the MOST underrated exercise. Park your car far away from where you have to enter a building or store. Turn walking into a fun social event by inviting your friends or co-workers along for group chat while getting your cardio workout done. Walk and talk when you are on the phone with a friend.

•  Take the stairs. Taking the stairs whenever it’s possible can make a big difference on your health. You can even walk up and down the stairs of your own house or apartment building to add a bit of exercise to your day.

•  Get your hands on basic fitness equipment. Light dumbbells, a stability ball and jump rope can all be used for a great home-workout. Ask family or friends if they have any workout equipment lying around that they’re not using.

•  Get creative. This can actually get really fun. Think of items around the house that weigh more than a pound like canned goods or other sacks of food but are easy to hold on to. Use them as weights by doing curls or squats. You can also use furniture as exercise equipment.

• Use your own weight by doing bodyweight exercises. Planks, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks and step-ups are all great ways to get moving!

• Make housework exercise time. Cleaning the house is actually a great way to get moving. Be sure to use both sides of your body equally to get everything balanced (remember the old “wax on wax off” move)

TIP: get a Fitbit, Apple Watch, or other type of electronic pedometer. They say you should aim to reach 9,000 to 10,000 steps a day if you are looking to lose weight. It’s a great way to gauge how much cardio you are getting in per day. You’d be surprised how many steps you rack up just by cleaning the house and/or doing a full day of errand running!