You Can Do It: Alternative Ways to Exercise

The gyms are closed right now — it's not great! 

Which leaves most of us without home gyms at a disadvantage. Sure running and biking is fun, but eventually it gets a little tired.

Here are some slightly unorthodox ways you can stay in shape during this ongoing shutdown.

(For real, though, make sure to get some running in to complement these routines. You'll be glad you did.)

1. Find new dumbbells

Maybe you haven't checked Amazon or your local Wal-Mart, but dumbbells and barbells are hilariously out of stock. We're probably going to be trading them for gas in a few years. Until then,  keep yourself fit by improvising and finding new dumbbells. Paint cans are a pretty decent fix, given they have a handle and some weight to them. Some Youtube videos can also show you how to make dumbbells out of concrete, but that's for the truly committed.

2.  Rollerblade

This is the one of the more conventional picks but rollerblading shouldn't be counted out. Sure, it's not as exciting and breezy as riding a bike, but it's more exciting than straight running, and you'll still feel like you want to die by the time you're done. Make sure you protect yourself with a helmet and wrist guards because you will absolutely eat concrete or break something, I've seen it happen. 

3. Random Pull-Ups

Pull-ups are good for you. They're simple, often painful, and you feel like you've accomplished something if you can do three of them. If you can't find a home pull-up bar on sale, maybe find a set of bars or a ledge to do a makeshift pull-up section while you're on a walk or a run. You might look weird but it won't matter much when you're clearing 20 pull-ups on the monkey bars. 

4. Go for a swim

Yes the pools are closed, but have you heard of swimming in a natural body of water? Take a dip in a pond or lake and get ahead on your triathlon training, you'll be the fastest swimmer in the pack if we ever have group events again. Sure you might come across the odd turtle or gator in your path, but that's just going to hone your reflexes. 

5. Go to therapy

I don't mean to be judgmental, but you're probably not doing great. Physical fitness is of the utmost importance, but you're still going to feel bad in this shapeless, stressful time if you don't pay attention to what's going on between your ears. Hit up a counselor and unpack that trauma.

And if you are doing great, good for you! Go take a run and tell us about it later.