But we also know we have other expenses – mortgage payments, plumbing expenses, and our children’s expenses as well. It is almost impossible to do all that while we have jobs to do and so little time to spare for other activities.
But don’t panic, there are numerous alternatives, and you can do them in your leisure time without sacrificing time and too much money and they are enjoyable. Here are 13 hobbies to keep you in shape without wasting money and time.
13 Unique And Low-cost Hobbies To Keep You in shape
Walking in your neighborhood
With walking, you don’t need to buy any fancy equipment or join any gym memberships for a hefty amount every month. It doesn’t have to take hours and hours on end.
All you need is just 30 minutes of walking a day and you are on your way to trim your waistline and improve your health.
A study by Holly Schiff, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist who is based in New York and Connecticut said that “Walking encourages our brains to release endorphins, a neurotransmitter that boosts both our mental and physical health. The same benefits you get from exercising in the gym.
Cycle across your block
If you prefer not to walk, get a bike. It is not that expensive.
But to make things easier you can hire or book a bike for any period of time you choose without buying any expensive bike.
Cycling is one of the easiest hobbies to get you in shape as fast as possible without spending too much time and money in the gym for the thread mill.
Apart from not being expensive and time-consuming, it offers great benefits. It improves your cardiovascular health and increases your life span according to a study conducted by researchers.
Pick up your bike when going to buy groceries or when visiting a friend. You hit two birds with one stone.
Cooking
If you thought cooking was only to fill your stomach, think again. With the going around, picking of utensils and foodstuffs to prepare your meal, you get a lot of exercise. Because of those movements, your body is kept active and your blood flows really well.
Try some recipes and prepare that dish you’ve been thinking about.
It is a really great hobby to pick up.
Play an instrument
Learning a new instrument is not only mental but physical. Your creative muscles as well as your physical are built when you play a new instrument consistently.
According to Caloriecount, just 1 hour of playing the violin a day helps you burn up to 175 calories.
Go into the locker and pick that old instrument of yours and play for your health.
Walk your pet
Treat your dog to some exercise as you also get some yourself. It’s inexpensive and extremely beneficial to your health and ultimately to your pocket. You spend less money on hospital expenses and even save for your future.
Yoga
Most people don’t regard yoga as a form of exercise because they think for something to be labeled as exercise it needs t to be strenuous. It doesn’t need to be.
The American College of sports medicine study stresses that yoga practice for 30 minutes a day increases body strength and flexibility. It also reduces stress and calms the mind.
All you need to start is a yoga mat and a YouTube Tutorial and off your way.
Swimming
Instead of hitting the gym and paying lots of money, turn to your swimming pool for some exercise. You can also visit the beach.
Swimming is an aerobic exercise that helps to helps tone your muscles because of the regular hand movements used to propel yourself in the water. It’s a great way to connect with nature as well.
An extensive study by the British medical journal of about 80,36 adults shows regular swimming exercise led to reduced heart diseases like stroke. If not for anything, do it for your heart.
To avoid any accidents, you may have to increase your knowledge of water safety and swimming protocols whenever you go swimming.
Always check in with your lifeguard or pool personnel for assistance on anything you need. They are more than willing to help.
Try Zumba
Who says you can’t peel off those extra pounds by simply dancing?
It is possible with Zumba. It will help you reduce weight in the most enjoyable way possible.
There are a number of Zumba classes online. But you can start for free with free YouTube videos like the one below.
This hobby is incredibly sensational with all those bodily movements.
I did try this one myself and it was fun. Include it in our morning routine.
Try this one with your family and you will love it.
To sum it up, here are some of the key benefits of Zumba and doesn’t even cost a penny.
- Makes you happy by releasing those wonderful endorphins in your brain.
- Tones your entire body
- Reduces your risk of heart problems
- You will burn fats and calories without even knowing you are working out. Why? Because it is fun
Gardening
Starting a garden can be fun and refreshing. A very good way to live a healthy life and feed your family. But that’s not all you get.
You guessed it. “Exercise”. In the process of picking up tools and watering the plants, you get loads of exercise in the process.
You don’t have to spend money on exercise equipment. You get all the benefits of exercise and good food out of the same activity.
Running
This sounds obvious but how many people really try it. I guess because they don’t know how much beneficial it is to their mental and physical health. Best of all it’s free and requires no equipment at all.
Running helps you not only lose weight but reduces your risk of heart problems and even mental health issues like Alzheimer’s disease.
Research studies at Science Alert show that it even reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes, disability, and cancer.
One of the best ways to make running more fun and to meet more like-minded people is to enter or host some running races. Runners who stick to the finish line and speedsters who take the shortest time are often prized with custom race medals. Every runner is eager to win medals and accolades. Race medals recognize the sweat and perseverance of the runners and better motivate people to stick to the sport of running to stay in shape.
If you want a custom running medal, GS-JJ.com offers free online design and fast shipping. Customize Now.
Indoor Rock climbing
You don’t need to travel all the way to the mountains in order to access rocks to climb. We have come a long way and now there are indoor rock structures with supervision that you can climb.
It is a great form of physical activity or exercise and it’s inexpensive. It works on your back and helps you to build muscle. No need for the “gym”.
Jogging
Very much like walking but at a faster pace. It is a great form of exercise if you don’t want to run.
A research study at Science Alert shows that just 30 minutes of jogging reduces your risk of obesity and improves your overall health.
It is also free to go into your drawer and pick those sneakers and jog for your life.
Indoor Skiing
We all know outdoor skiing is expensive, not to talk about the boots and all the other stuff you will need to buy. Indoor skiing is low-cost and you don’t have to travel far to do it.
All need is to hire ski and you will all be set.
There are hundreds of indoor skiing centers in the world. From Dubai to China. But there are several others in America like the Big Snow in New Jersey.
I urge you to really prepare for the cold if you ever want to try this hobby. It will be fun.
What Hobby Should I Try Next?
These hobbies will help you get in shape but you can also improve your tech skills by trying one of these computer hobbies.
I’m not an outdoor person, well try these hobbies for introverts.
