Can't Hit the Gym? Here Are Five Great “Workout Solutions” to Get That Sweat Pouring.

2024 is coming to an end, and we’re about to enter 2025. As is typical, New Year resolutions will be firmly made, and for many of us, soon lie forgotten.

Joining the  gym is one of the most common resolutions of all time. According to a survey, 80% of gym members who join in January quit within 5 months. Sounds like you? Congratulations, you’re in good company. And more importantly, you’re not too far from being healthy. 

Carving out time to work out is necessary  to stay healthy. But our fast-paced lifestyle can make it incredibly difficult to actually get some physical activity in. Plus, going to the gym is not for everyone. Maybe you’re someone who just can’t find the time to hit the gym. Or perhaps you hate the idea of working out on machines (or at all). It can also be too expensive, time-consuming, boring, or simply require too much motivation. 

But excuses are for people who don’t want it bad enough. Instead of making that tired-old “go the gym” resolution, this time, try a different approach. We’ve curated five solutions for you to try based on your unique barrier to fitness. 

1. Home Workouts/Yoga

Great for ones who: lack time, hate the gym, and want pocket-friendly workouts. 

Probably won’t work if: You aren’t self-motivated enough to do this regularly. 

If you’re pressed for time or feel too lazy to step out, you can keep up a great fitness routine from the comfort of your own home. 

The internet is full of great workouts for both cardio and certain types of strength training. Body weight training — using only your body weight for resistance — can be an effective type of strength training and a good addition to your fitness program. You can  ramp it up by investing in home weight equipment or a treadmill. Alternatively, just  roll out a yoga mat in your living room and start with some basic yoga asanas. It’s a great way to build both flexibility and strength. You can check out apps like Nike Training Club for free workouts curated by professionals.

2. Run, Cycle, Swim, Individual-Sports

Great for ones who: Love the outdoors, hate the gym, wish for energetic alone time.

Probably won’t work if: You aren’t self-motivated and disciplined. 

After all, the outdoors was our original gym. These activities are a good replacement for gym-based cardio and can be done solo. Couple this with strength training at home to build muscle.

These workouts offer plenty of variety. You could run on Monday, cycle on Wednesday, and swim on Friday - keeping it fun throughout the week. With a partner in crime, racquet sports like badminton and squash are other enticing options. 

But you need discipline to make it happen. Join a group with like-minded people for that extra push or sign yourself up for marathons or tournaments to stay motivated. 

3. Never Too Old for Team Sports

Great for ones who: Love sports, hate the gym, and lack  motivation by themselves.

Probably won’t work if: You play a sport that’s not popular in your area.

These are for the outdoorsy men who enjoy getting out of the house and get their hearts pumping but lack the motivation to do it just by themselves. This might surprise you, but there are others like you who want an old fashioned game of cricket or football on the weekend. Seek local sports groups or play with work friends. There’s nothing like some healthy competition.

4. Go For Walks (Yeah, it actually works)

Great for ones who: Hate working out, wish for pocket-friendly workouts, like meditative alone time. 

Probably won’t work if: You can probably make this work. 

While it is no substitute for the intense cardio activities mentioned above, walking is a good form of exercise and can help you reach your fitness and weight loss goals. It is also that one short answer for most excuses we could come up with for skipping exercise - it’s easy, free, and can be quick. Walking is a great option if you suffer from knee, ankle, or back problems that make other exercise hard.

5. Play With Your Kid (run, badminton, dance, etc)

Great for ones who: like to spend down time with the kids, wish for pocket-friendly workouts, and lack motivation by themselves. 

Probably won’t work if: You can probably make this work! 

If you’re a man who wants multiple benefits from one workout, this is for you. Cricket, football, or cycling, the possibilities are endless. Along with keeping up your exercise quota, this will help you bond with your kids and habituate them to regular exercise. And once they get used to it, they’ll motivate you on the days you feel lazy. 

So there you have it - five great ways to approach “Mission Fit in 2025.” Get moving!