10 Ways You Can Give Yourself a Better Workout Than The Gym

Introduction

Most of us think that, if we want to get fit, we need to spend hours each week sweating it out in the gym, and sure, lifting weights or running on the treadmill is a really good way to stay fit and healthy but it’s definitely not the only way!

In fact, you can get pretty fit just by taking better care of your home, as you will see below…

10 Ways You Can Give Yourself a Better Workout Than The Gym

1. The Stairway to Strong Legs

A really simple way to get fitter around the house is to simply spend more time going up and down the stairs.

But, how and why you might be thinking? Well, obviously, if you spend more time cleaning your home fetching loads of laundry, ad stuff like that then you will go up and download the stairs more than you would simply sit on the couch watching Netflix.

But also, you can just do “laps” where you run up and down the stairs for 10 minutes or so, if you want to get some cardio in!

2. Cleaning is The Ultimate Full-Body Workout

Cleaning might be the last thing you want to do after a busy day or week at work, but it turns out it’s a sneaky way to get a serious workout.

Mopping, scrubbing, vacuuming—it all requires muscle power, especially if you’re going all out and putting as much effort into your chores as you possibly can.

Think of it as functional fitness. You’re working your arms, legs, and core while also making your house look presentable, which is a win-win for most people, right?

So,  crank up the music, get into the groove, and by the time you’re done, you’ll have burned off enough calories to justify a biscuit (or three).

3. DIY Deltoids (Yes, Really)

Got some home improvement projects you’ve been avoiding? Well, it’s time to get them done and get a really good workout in at the same time.

Painting walls, hammering nails, or hanging shelves all require strength and endurance—especially if you’re using tools like a cordless drill that really works the muscles.

It’s basically a power tool and a workout machine rolled into one.

Those DIY projects will have your arms looking better than any bicep curl session at the gym.

Plus, every time you walk past your new shelves, you can admire both your handiwork and your toned arms.

4. Gardening Gains

Don’t underestimate the power of a bit of weeding and pruning.

Gardening is like nature’s gym, where bending, squatting, digging, and lifting are part of the deal. Pulling up weeds is like resistance training, while planting bulbs requires flexibility and a bit of core work as you bend and stretch.

For those with bigger projects, try shifting heavy bags of compost or lifting planters—it’s like a weighted workout without the barbells.

And if you’ve got a battery lawn mower, well, that’s your cardio sorted for the day!

5. Furniture Moving Marathon

If you’ve ever tried rearranging your living room on a whim, you’ll know that shifting furniture is no easy feat.

But here’s the thing: moving your sofa, coffee table, or even a bookshelf can give you a total body workout.

You’re engaging your arms, legs, and back as you push, pull, and lift. Not only will your home look like you’ve had an interior designer over, but you’ll have worked up a sweat without stepping foot on a treadmill. It’s home improvement and fitness all in one!

6. Staircase Intervals

Stairs again? Yes, but this time we’re taking it up a notch with intervals. This isn’t your average “leisurely” climb up the stairs.

We’re talking sprinting up, walking down, repeat. It’s the ultimate way to get your heart rate up and test your endurance.

Start with five rounds and work your way up to more as you get stronger. If you’ve got kids, turn it into a game by challenging them to a race.

Just be sure to let them win occasionally—you know, to boost their confidence.

7. Lifting Groceries: The Secret Strength Training

Have you ever realised just how heavy a week’s worth of shopping can be? Instead of rushing to get everything inside in one trip (which, let’s be honest, we all do), turn it into a strength training session.

Load up those bags and carry them slowly to work on your arms and core. And for an extra challenge, do some bicep curls while you’re at it. It might feel a bit ridiculous, but who’s watching?

8. Squat While You Wait

Waiting for the kettle to boil? Instead of scrolling through your phone, drop into a few squats. It might sound silly, but these little bursts of activity throughout the day can really add up.

And it’s not just squats—throw in some lunges, heel raises, or even some tricep dips on the edge of the kitchen counter while you wait for your tea to brew.

Suddenly, your kitchen becomes a makeshift gym, and you’re using your downtime to work on those glutes.

9. Climbing… Your Loft Ladder?

Need to get something down from the loft? That rickety ladder isn’t just an obstacle—it’s an opportunity for a bit of a workout.

Going up and down the ladder is a mix of balance, strength, and a little bit of core work (especially when you’re hauling down boxes of Christmas decorations).

Just make sure someone’s around to spot you—you don’t want to turn your home workout into an extreme sport.

10. Get Creative (and Have Fun!)

The beauty of working out at home is that you can get creative. Every room and every object is a potential piece of workout equipment if you look at it the right way.

Use the edge of your sofa for tricep dips, the hallway for walking lunges, and even the walls for some wall-sits while you contemplate your DIY projects.

The possibilities are endless—and you won’t need to face the gym crowd ever again.

So, if the gym isn’t your thing, get busy around the house!