Even though we know we need to be more active, going to the gym can feel like a chore. Memberships are expensive, gyms are overcrowded, and workouts can be tedious and unexciting. Thankfully, there are many ways for you to incorporate physical activity into your daily life that don’t require a gym membership or expensive in-home equipment. Here are six of our favorite ways to spice up your exercise routine without going to the gym:

Dance your way to salsa lessons

If you are finding it hard to stick to an exercise plan because working out feels like homework, try making your workout more exciting by signing up for salsa lessons! Dancing is a great way to burn calories and stay active, and many people find salsa dancing to be a particularly invigorating workout. You can even take dance lessons with your significant other and make a fun date night out of your workout.

Watch a workout video

If you don’t want to pay for the fitness classes at your local gym, give a workout video a try! There are countless workout videos available to purchase online produced by famous personal trainers. These videos walk you through a workout routine that fits your needs and skill level. Yoga, zumba, HIIT training – the class options are unlimited! You can constantly change up your workout or increase the skill level as you progress.

Pick up a sport

You don’t have to be a lifelong athlete to get into your favorite sport! Many cities have local teams and leagues for adults that you can join for popular sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, or swimming. Joining a community sports league is a terrific way to stay active, burn calories and make new friends.

Walk and window shop

In the mood for some window shopping? Take your walks from your neighborhood sidewalk to your nearby mall.  You can easily clock in those 10,000 steps walking around your local shopping center. If you’re worried about the temptation to do more shopping than walking, leave your wallet behind!

Lace up your hiking boots

If you are more of a nature lover than a mall enthusiast, hiking can be a great way to not only get in some exercise but also get some fresh air and reconnect with nature. Make sure to take some time to research hiking trails in your area to find trails that meet your skill level. Many trails are dog-friendly so you can take your four-legged best friend with you!

Sign up for walking tours

Do you live close to any major or historic city? Sign up for a walking tour! Many cities offer tours that help citizens explore their city with experienced guides that show them fun locations and pointing out places of historical significance. Not only will these tours help you get active and moving, you’re also likely to learn something new about the place you live!

How do you find ways to exercise outside of the traditional gym environment in your life? Share your ideas with us on Facebook!