Everyone knows exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle, but not all of us have the time, energy or desire to go to the gym. That's perfectly fine - there are tons of weight-loss methods that don't require a room full of weights and treadmills. Here are five healthy activities to take you out of the gym:
1. Dancing
The great thing about dancing for weight loss is there are so many styles to choose from. Between swing, belly dancing, ballet or barre fitness, you're bound to find a type you enjoy. According to Fitness Blender, break dancing gives you the greatest benefits, burning up to 650 calories an hour depending on your weight. Hip hop dancing, at 610 calories per hour, is a close second. Salsa dancing burns between 405 and 480 calories, swing dancing between 300 and 550, and ballet between 380 and 450. Even a freestyle session in your living room is enough to help you lose weight.
Ballet is a great way to improve your strength and flexibility.
2. Ice skating
Grab a pair of ice skates if you want to work your abs, hips, knees and ankles at the same time. According to Shape, figure skating burns around 460 calories. Speed skating burns up 800.
Skating is an activity you can do year-round - just find an open ice rink during the summer. If you want to skate on a frozen lake, the Government of Canada advised avoiding pockets of open water. The ice in these areas is thinner than elsewhere and might not support your weight.
3. Hiking
Hiking is a great way to lose weight and enjoy the outdoors. It burns between 360 and 530 calories per hour, according to Harvard Medical School, and you can trek around in winter as long as you have the right equipment. Make sure to dress in warm layers and carry emergency tools, including a first aid kit, map, head lamp, compass and hand warming packets. Always go winter hiking with a friend and check the forecast before heading out. If you plan on camping, REI suggested bringing a sleeping bag suitable for weather colder than what the forecast says just in case.
Dress in warm layers if you plan to hike in winter.
4. Geocaching
Although it's a relatively new activity, geocaching has tons of devoted fans around the world. It's essentially a modern scavenger hunt - people obtain GPS coordinates online and head to that location to find a hidden item.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly how many calories a person burns while geocaching because the activities involved widely vary. Caches are hidden in all sorts of places, from public buildings to a random tree in the woods. One study from Texas A&M University found geocaching has some health benefits, although people primarily go hunting for social or recreational reasons.
5. Yoga
While it's always a good idea to seek a proper yoga teacher, the benefits of practicing at home can't be ignored. Yoga teaches you to listen to your body, which is difficult to do while paying attention to a teacher. Starting a home practice is a little intimidating, especially if you want to create your own sequence. Yoga Journal suggested using a simple template so you can mix and match poses as you see fit.
How many calories you burn depends on the type of yoga you choose. Hatha yoga burns around 200 calories per hour, while some people claim Bikram or Hot yoga burns around 600. No matter what style you choose, yoga also increases strength and reduces stress. You'll have to stay inside if you begin your practice in winter, but if you keep at it, you'll feel confident enough come summer to reap the benefits of yoga outdoors.