5 easy and interesting ways to lose weight without going to the gym

Here's a list of interesting activities you could do instead of going to the gym.

Written by: Chethana Prakasan

Published: November 22, 2016, 4:46 PM IST

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We all know the benefits of going to a gym, working out and maintaining a healthy diet, but how many of us religiously follow the healthy lifestyle? If you do not like going to the gym and finds it boring, you are not the only one. For some of us, the initial enthusiasm fizzles out within a couple of days and then there is not enough motivation to drag ourselves to the gym every single day.  For all those who hate going to gym, you have landed on the right page. We give you five interesting exercises that will keep you healthy and active (and you won’t get bored).

1. Trekking/Hiking

Trekking will take you out of your comfort zone. You can register with a trekking group and go exploring the natural beauty every weekend. Although it might be challenging initially, it is fun and adventurous. You will be wandering into the wild and be close to nature. You can also go for hiking, which is basically walking on the pre-charted paths known as hiking trails. Trekking and hiking are great for your legs, abdomen and butt. It will help you to minimize stress and keep your heart healthy. In 30 minutes, you will burn around 350 calories depending on the difficulty of the hiking trail. As hiking and trekking are group activities, you will be meeting new people and socializing on these trips.

2. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is an ultimate fusion of kicks, punches, aerobics, martial arts techniques and cardio exercises. This high-energy activity will let you vent out your aggression. You will kick and punch to melt fat faster. This intense workout will push you to the limits. It will help you to strengthen muscles, tone your body and improve your balance and agility. 30 minutes of kickboxing will torch around 1450 calories. Also, kickboxing is a self-defense technique.

3. Dancing

From bhangra to salsa to belly dancing to twerking, all dance forms are great for your posture, shedding extra fat and stay in shape.  Select a peppy Bollywood number and just start dancing. You don’t have to be a good dancer to get started. There are innumerable dance videos on YouTube that are well choreographed to give you a good sweating session. You can do it at home or join a class. One of the popular dance forms for fitness is Zumba, which is effective in weight management, toning your body and burning fat. Another dance form you could try is belly dancing. It will help you to shed that extra fat around your waist, improve the posture of the body and strengthen your abdomen.  Dancing will improve memory, lower stress level, make you active and boost your self-confidence. You will burn around 200 calories by dancing for 30 minutes.

4. Swimming

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise. And if you are a water baby, swimming is just perfect for you. Swimming is a low-impact exercise but as water is denser than air your muscles will constantly be under resistance. It is great for your lungs and improves cardiovascular performance. Swimming is a whole body exercise and it will work those muscles that are often neglected. An hour of swimming will burn around 500 calories. It is a life-skill, so by learning how to swim you will have a lot more fun in the sea.

5. Skating

Yes, it is challenging initially but once you get your balance it is fun and addictive. Skating is one of the best exercises to reduce belly fat. You use your abdominal muscles to maintain your balance and move forward. Your lower body, including hips and calves, is also engaged during this activity. Skating will increase stamina, improve cardio performance and increase muscle endurance. You will torch 200 to 300 calories by skating for 30 minutes; all you need is a pair of skates and an open space.