Exercise is a huge part of life. Or at least, it should be! Exercising is essential for our overall health. Exercise is not just essential for keeping toned and trim; it’s important for our mental health and emotional well being too. But, for many, they find that going to the gym can be something of an ordeal. It may be tough to find the time when you are juggling family life, work and chores. But, there is no need to despair. There are some simple exercises that you can partake in without the aid of the gym.

Here are some of our top tips for the ultimate non-gym workout:

Tip 1: Maximize Your Stairs

Your stairs aren’t just the portal from the lower floor to the upper floor; they are a great tool for exercising with too! You can ensure that you are fit and trim by maximizing the stairs. After all, many gyms have stepper equipment that is replicated to look like stairs. This should tell you something about the importance of running up and down them! Make sure that you run up and down the stairs in sets of sixes. Aim to do this three to four times per day to give your legs a killer workout. There is no excuse to not get moving. Running uphill, or up the stairs, is a great way of getting your heart pumping. What’s more, you can ensure that you are burning those calories.

Tip 2: Jog around the Block

If you live on a quiet road that is not too close to the freeway, utilize the open space around you and get moving! Jogging around the block twice per day is a free way to make sure that you are exercising. After all, a run around the block is a good way to exercise without having to hit the treadmill. Do ensure that you invest in good running shoes to protect your feet. As your fitness levels increase, aim to sprint around the block. After all, running is one of the best ways to make sure that you are losing weight and improving your cardiovascular health. The fresh air is an bonus too!

Tip 3: Create an Obstacle Course in Your Yard

Obstacle courses are the best way to make exercise fun. Plus, you don’t have to hit the gym. Add tires, a balance beam and a pop up tunnel to make your backyard obstacle course fun and exciting. It’s a great way to ensure that you are working on your core strength and to make sure that you are working all of the major body parts and muscles. Varying exercise is a must to keeping your body in excellent shape. After all, there is no point having awesome arms and puny legs. You need to exercise your entire body.

Tip 4: Weight Lifting Like a Pro

If you are keen to maximize your muscle workout, now is the time to grab some heavier items from your pantry and store cupboard. Tins of food, bags of sugar and even a sack of potatoes can ensure that you are weight lifting without having to hit the gym. Simply do a set of arm curls to ensure that your arms are toned and defined. It’s one of the best home exercise hacks around.