Alternative Paths to a Healthier You
It’s the eve of the New Year. Motivation soars high, and you make a brave decision: signing up for the gym. Here’s how it usually goes for more than half of us:
Day 1: Pure enthusiasm.
Day 3: Did way more than you should have.
Day 5: Can’t walk, can’t sit, soreness everywhere.
Day 10: Ghosted.
Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. The truth is, you don’t need a gym membership to be healthy at all (gym ≠ only way to be fit). The crowded rooms, the intimidating equipment, the pressure to look a certain way (and let’s not forget the unmistakable smell of sweat), all of this combined can make fitness feel less like self-care and more like punishment. But here’s the good news: abs aren’t exclusive to an overpriced gym.
There are plenty of alternative ways to move, strengthen, and feel good in your own skin after ditching that treadmill. This article will walk you through fun, practical, and sustainable ways to stay fit, even if you hate the gym.
Nature as Your Gym
If the gym isn’t your cup of tea, why not take your workout outdoors? Activities like hiking, biking, jogging, or even just going for a brisk walk in the park can be excellent ways to stay fit.
The fresh air and natural surroundings can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable pastime. Replace the gym with community hikes, go on long walks with your friends and family. Fitness does not have to be solidarity; it can also double as a connection.
Home Workouts
The home workout craze peaked during the pandemic, remember? Fitness creators like Chloe Ting shot to fame with no-fuss routines like her iconic 2-Week Shred Challenge. (we’ve al been there) Her accessible style paid off: now, you can get her home workouts entirely in her brand-new Core by Chloe app!
But hey, if you’re looking for something that fits your mood, whether you’re energized or just need a gentle stretch, then Mila Movement is where it’s at. Designed by Camilla Lorentzen, this app tailors home workouts to your energy level, whether you’re low-key or ready to crush it.
And for those who want homegrown flavor in their fitness journey, meet PakFit, Pakistan’s first digital fitness platform. Created by certified fitness pro Omar Bilal Ahmad, it offers custom diet and training plans, all in the comfort of your home.
Honestly, you don’t even need to go as far as downloading applications. South Asian fitness creators are stepping up their game aswell. From Yasmin Karachiwala (Bollywood’s go-to Pilates trainer) to Pakistani fitness coaches like Mahek Taherani, have brought their fitness tips to platforms such as Instagram and Youtube.
No equipment? No problem. Squats, push-ups, lunges, and planks are enough to get you sweating in your living room.
Dance Your Way to Fitness
Next up on the list: dance!
Dancing is an incredibly fun way to get your heart rate up and burn calories. Whether it’s joining a dance class or simply dancing around your living room to your favorite tunes, it’s a fantastic way to stay fit without feeling like you’re working out.
For a cultural twist, try Bhangra fitness. Originating from Punjab, Bhangra is high-energy, rhythmic, and cardio-intensive, basically a full-body workout wrapped in tradition. Platforms like Bhangra Blaze and other Youtube creators like Bhangralicious (yes, that’s right) give you direct access to easy and advanced routines you can copy at home.
The Art of Steps
Fitness doesn’t have to translate to only reps and sets. Sometimes, it’s about the small, mindful choices that add up. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, skip the car ride for short errands, or commit to hitting your daily step count.
Strive toward the unofficial benchmark of 10,000 steps a day, especially if the alternate is just sitting. A 2025 JAMA study found that just 7000 steps per day may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and cognitive decline.
Make it social: plan a group trip to go rock climbing, or simply a long walk ending with a chai break. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. And make this be the year you skip the ghosted gym membership, but not your goals.
