Getting ready for the new year?  Working on setting your goals? Let us this week look Staying active is essential for maintaining good health, but you don’t need a gym membership to stay fit. Here are some practical and accessible ways to maintain physical activity without needing a gym.

You can do a variety of exercises at home with little to no equipment. Here are some ideas:

Bodyweight exercises: Push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and burpees.

Yoga and Pilates: Follow online videos or apps for guided sessions.

Resistance bands: Use bands for strength training exercises.

Dumbbells or kettlebells: Incorporate weights into your routine for added resistance.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Alternate between short bursts of intense activity and rest.

Also, take advantage of the great outdoors to stay active. Here are some activities you can do outside:

Walking or Running: Explore your neighborhood or local parks or even join a local group/club.

Hiking: Find nearby trails and enjoy nature while getting a workout.

Biking: Ride your bike around town or on dedicated bike paths.

Swimming: Visit a local pool, lake, or beach for a full-body workout.

Sports: Join a local sports league or play pick-up games with friends.

Next is how about incorporating physical activity into your daily routine- Walk or bike to work or school instead of driving (DO WITH EXTREME CAUTION AND SAFETY). Get off public transportation a few stops early and walk the rest of the way. Or even take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible, I live by this motto, when I can I take the stairs.

And finally, make small changes to your daily routine to stay active throughout the day, stand up and stretch regularly if you have a desk job, if you are offered a standing desk at your office, I recommend taking it. Do household chores like cleaning, gardening, or washing the car. Play with your kids or pets to keep moving, my husband likes to chase the dogs around the yard in the summer. Finally set a timer to remind yourself to take short activity breaks, this is good no matter what, working in the office or at home you need to take small mental breaks and walk away.

As we gear up for a fresh start in the new year, remember that staying active doesn’t require gym membership or fancy equipment, it just takes a little creativity and commitment. Whether you’re doing squats in your living room, walking your dog, or dancing in your kitchen, every bit of movement counts. The key is to find what works for you and make it part of your routine. Small, consistent steps lead to big, lasting changes. So lace up those sneakers, take the stairs, and let’s move into the new year with energy, intention, and a whole lot of heart

Have a safe and Happy New Year!