Toxic culture, tripods everywhere, creeps, and germs spreading like wildfire—need we say more about why people are fed up with the gym? A survey concluded that a vast majority of people either never work out, work out at home exclusively, or switch between working out at home and working out at a gym. The environment is not enjoyable for many, yet there’s an assumption that it’s the only way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In recent years attending the gym has become increasingly challenging— people are eager to be active; however, it’s the execution they are trying to figure out. A report shows that a substantial majority of people prefer a fitness studio or gym with various workouts available—69 percent of men and 64 percent of women, to be exact. That’s a massive chunk of people looking to do more than cardio, lift, and repeat.
As President, Founder, and Trainer at PrettyBeastMode, Vernecia Adams, commonly known as Vee, has noticed this shift. “People started realizing the importance of going for a 10-minute walk in the morning; adults started buying bikes again or finding small group classes to go to—people were trying to find a way to move their bodies.” The priority for people has become activity and folks have found new ways to do that. Some popular options include:
Aerial
Were you in awe of circus performers as a child as you watched acrobats spin and flip from the ceiling? Anyone can do that (on a much smaller scale) as a workout. The activity can help with your coordination, flexibility, and strength. “Aerial has to do with manipulating your body weight, especially upside down,” Adams says. You’ll engage muscles you most likely have yet to exercise in typical workouts. If you’re up for the challenge, try a class!
Pilates
Pilates? Do you mean the workout responsible for Lori Harvey’s sculpted figure? Black women are taking over pilates studios; we love seeing it. “Pilates is a total body workout. It works those small twitch muscles, which you need for a quick reaction, stability, and mobility,” Vee explains. Strengthening your core is one of the critical objectives of Pilates, so if rock-solid abs and a toned body are your goals, Pilates might be your new go-to.
Dance
Whether in a program or from watching YouTube videos in the living room, learning to dance is a part of growing up instead of the gym. You know what they say, adulthood is about rediscovering what you loved as a child. That would explain why activities like Zumba, hip-hop aerobics, and similar workouts are growing in popularity. Dance is an “aerobic-based, cardio-based, endurance-based type of workout, not strength training or toning.” Vee clarifies. She says you may experience slimming, but if you’re looking for a toned body, you must try an activity that includes weight lifting. But, if you’re looking to just start moving your body often, dance is an activity you should consider.
Pole
Speaking of lifting, you know machinery at the gym is not the only way to gain muscle, right? Pole dancing is considered “strength training against your body weight,” explains Adams. Therefore, consider conditioning through pole to build muscle and get toned. Free weights, be gone!
At-Home Workouts
You don’t need to splurge on gym activities or equipment if you’re looking to get active. Vee began her fitness journey by working out during TV show commercial breaks. “I started seeing results from just small movements,” she shares, “when a commercial came on, I would stand up and do a half-jumping jack.” At the time, that worked for her and it paid off.
Now that you see there are more options than the gym to get fit, decide which activities work best for you and stay committed to moving daily. It’s time to crush your goals.
About the Author: Shelby Denise Smith is a Social Media Editor and Freelance Writer. She’s passionate about lifestyle, wellness, travel, and culture. Smith enjoys packaging the insight she receives into stories that can positively impact the livelihood of others.