The Best Thing You Could Do for Your Health Is Quit the Gym—Here’s What to Do Instead

Boring routines. Nagging injuries. Unused memberships. The challenging journey towards optimal wellness often leads to burnout for many gym-goers. While there’s no doubt that a structured fitness routine that includes weightlifting can help combat diseases like osteoporosis, there’s something to be said for taking things beyond the confines of four walls and into the great outdoors . In fact, quitting the gym could actually be good for you.

When done strategically, it can lead to creating a community, exploring new interests, saving money, and delving into more functional, dynamic motion that mimics what you’ll experience in your day-to-day life. Bonus: Working out outside is a proven mood-booster and can lower cortisol, the hormone related to chronic stress. And according to several studies there’s a tendency to work out longer when outdoors versus indoors. Here are some ways to quit the gym without sacrificing the health benefits that come along with it.

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1. Join the (Run) Club

Not only is running great cardiovascular activity, but you also don’t need a whole lot to get started—just a sense of adventure, an able body, and a decent pair of shoes. It’s also a great way to explore a new city , especially in the morning as everyone starts to wake up. Run clubs are cropping up all over the country, providing a sense of community for those involved, as well as a form of accountability. If running isn’t your thing, no worries. There are plenty of other groups to join too, from pickleball to beach tennis to beginner-friendly surf clubs . These groups are much more social than the zoned out, headphone wearing vibe of the gym, and as Dan Buetner found in Blue Zones , that human interaction is a huge component of longevity. Plus, having a regular meetup fosters accountability and consistency.

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2. Touch Grass

Anyone who has built a raised bed or cleared their backyard to make way for a garden knows that it’s hard work. It uses many (if not most) muscle groups, including the arms, legs, shoulders, neck, back, and core. Believe it or not, tasks like weeding can burn up to 400 calories per hour. Experts say that gardening can result in improved mood, too. When you touch soil, the bacteria mycobacterium vaccae is absorbed into your skin, which triggers the release of serotonin in your brain. Working with soil can reduce your stress hormone cortisol, even in as little as 20–30 minutes. It also may improve immunity. According to the Sustainable Soils Alliance , the bacteria found in soil is a primary source of antibiotics and other medicines.

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3. Get Wet

It’s hard to find a better workout than swimming . It’s easy on your joints, keeps your heart strong, strengthens your lungs, builds muscle, and burns an incredible number of calories (remember the Michael Phelps diet?) The Cleveland Clinic also says that it’s great for your mental health and can improve cognitive (mental) function, which is especially important as you age. If swimming laps at the public pool isn’t for you, try open water ocean swimming, surfing, spearfishing, you name it. As Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols states, water can have positive effects on our mental and physical health, due to the neurological, psychological, and emotional changes that occur in our brains when we’re near it.

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4. Walk It Out

“Hot girl walks” are not just a social media sensation. According to Dr. Michael Mosley, walking 10,000 steps a day significantly boosts cardiovascular health and aids in weight management. The “hot girl walk” combines this daily step goal with positive affirmations and mindfulness, enhancing mental wellbeing. Walking at a brisk pace for at least 30 minutes a day helps lower the risk of chronic diseases and improves mood. So, strut your stuff and embrace those daily steps for a healthier, happier you.

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5. Take It Outside

Trade your gym routine for a hike with a weighted vest and embrace a whole new level of workout vitality. Hiking with added weight not only enhances cardiovascular health but also builds muscle strength and boosts metabolic rate. This dynamic approach combines the benefits of weight training and aerobic exercise, making every step more rewarding.

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