Fitness: How To Lose Weight & Tone Up Without Weights

I love lifting and going to the gym. I enjoy it and it makes me feel good. Weight training is my way of being active and keeping my body fit and healthy. However, throughout this journey I’ve met people, especially women, who do not like the muscles and are not willing to put in the work at the gym. Fortunately there are hundreds of ways to be active, burn fat and have fun!

• Yoga: “Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. The purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” According to an article on osteropathic.org

Yoga also has many physical benefits; it increases flexibility (I’ve taken yoga and this is so true!) increases strength through body movements, reduces weight, improves breathing and mood.

• Dancing: Even people who claim they are not dancers move their body to the rhythm of the music when no one’s watching. Besides having a good time, dancing helps you burn calories and even tones you up! It helps you get stronger bones and reduce risk of osteoporosis, improves agility and flexibility, and helps you improve your confidence.

• Swimming: If you love the water and you can get access to a pool then jump out of bed and dive in the water. Swimming is a cardiovascular exercise that also helps you tone up and gain strength. Swimming uses all the major muscle groups, including the shoulders, back, abdominals, legs, hips, and glutes, so you are getting a whole body workout.

• Riding bikes: One of the reasons why I look forward to warmer days is to be able to ride my bike. Bike riding makes you sweat, making it a great cardiovascular exercise. It helps you lose weight/ burn fat. It tones up your lower body and even your arms. Improves mobility of knees and joints and helps you save up in public transportation.

• Jogging: Anybody likes cardio? If you are not a fan of high intensity and running isn’t your thing then slow down the pace and start jogging. Jogging helps you burn calories, improve cardiovascular fitness and stamina, and strengthen your muscles. Who knows if after a while doing it you get inspire to run faster and burn even more calories.

Consult your doctor before you start any physical activity. And remember that these are just a few examples of what you can do to be active and improve your health and body.