Top 5 at Home Exercises That Aren't Running to Get You in Shape

With the gyms being closed, many of us have found ourselves in a situation where we have to look for alternative ways to workout. Don’t get us wrong, running is a great exercise and workout but it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay! Whether you find it boring or you have leg or knee pains or are just looking for something different don’t worry we’ve got you covered. The article will also introduce ways in which you can maximize calories burnt while utilizing the exercises we provide. There are more options out there than you think that still abide by social distancing and quarantine rules. So let’s dive in and discover our top 5 exercises you can do that aren’t running! 

 


Here are 5 exercises to do if you hate running:

 

  • Skipping

    Guy holding a skipping rope

    Photo by Charlotte Karlsen on Unsplash

 

When we think of skipping our minds wander to our adolescent days or if you’re me, to the Rocky movies, but skipping doesn’t have to be so leisurely or so intense for you to make a difference. Skipping is a great way to exercise especially if you have knee and leg issues because it actually has less of an impact on them than running does. Skipping is also a full-body workout and according to a study by Shape America “After six weeks of daily 10-minute jump-rope exercises, participants demonstrated the same levels of improvement to their cardiovascular health as individuals who jogged for 30 minutes a day.” 

Skipping as you can see is also great for someone with not a lot of time on their hands and they can still make a bigger caloric impact than running can. Skipping really goes well if you look for a circuit or HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout that can really push you to the next level in a short amount of time. So what are you waiting for, get out there!

If you don’t have one, find one here! : https://amzn.to/2zPM72T 

Source:https://shapeamerica.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10671188.1968.10618043

 

 

  • Frisbee

 

Okay, hear me out, while we know you can’t really play frisbee by yourself unless you are freakishly fast if you’re at home with someone it’s a really fun exercise you can do together that can easily burn calories. While frisbee requires a little bit of running shorter distances, it is still less impactful on your joints than running on concrete for example. It also isn’t the first thing people think about while burning calories but trust us, there’s a lot more going on under the hood. What I especially love about it is the fact that you can run short sprints back and forth almost like suicides that really get the heart rate up. Mix this with some jumping catches and you’ve got yourself a tiresome workout that will shred those calories in no time. What I like to do especially is to tell my partner to throw it away from me so It forces me to be quick on my feet and run for it and keep the heart rate up. 

If you don’t have one, find one here!: https://amzn.to/2Tehif9

 

 

  • Orange Theory at home Youtube Videos

 

For those of you who don’t know what Orange Theory is, 

Orangetheory is a science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out. The hardest part of our workouts is showing up – we make it simple for you to push yourself, be your personal best and give you more. MORE results. MORE confidence. MORE Life. More than a gym. Because you shouldn’t live to exercise. You should exercise to live.” 

They currently have gyms in Montreal and surrounding areas but obviously they are closed for the time being. If its something you always wanted to check out or are new to it, they have started to put out free at-home classes on youtube that require little to no equipment for all of them. They are a good comparison to what you can get with the real gyms but these classes still provide great HIIT workouts that can be very challenging and you will definitely get your sweat on.

Find the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Otheoryfitness

Source: https://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/

 

 

  • WOD’s

 

This one is for all of you really looking to push yourselves to the limit. WOD or Workout of the Day is a term used in CrossFit and if you find that intimidating, you should because this really isn’t easy. However challenging it may be, the results you will get by doing these is hardd to argue with. They usually consist of full-body workouts so be prepared! They are an excellent and effective way to burn off calories and make you stronger at the same time.

As the name suggests, there are different workouts per day and also include male and female weight suggestions. While some of the workouts do need some sort of equipment you can look through to find some that have exercises with the equipment you already have. If you find them too difficult simply reduce the rep range to something that is doable but still challenging for you. Overall WOD’s can be an exceptional alternative to running but be prepared for a hell of a challenge.

Find the WOD’s at https://www.crossfit.com/

 

 

  • Hiking

 

Hiking or trail running can be a great alternative to running on concrete. Yes, trail running does include running but it is generally a little slower paced because you have to watch your footing and you are also running on the ground as opposed to concrete which helps reduce joint pains. While hiking, in general, is an incredible leg focused exercise, it really excels over running because of the constant shift of elevation and traversing through difficult terrain can really put in work for your lower body.  A hike is taxing on the body and what’s great about it is that you can get some great scenic views and a sort of freedom of exploration if you will whenever you go on a hike. 

Guy Hiking in Nature

Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash

 

All you need to get started is a great pair of hiking shoes and you’re good to go!

Find some amazing shoes here 

Women: https://montrealtips.com/2020/05/16/best-hiking-shoes-for-women-in-canada-2020/

Men:https://montrealtips.com/2020/05/11/best-hiking-shoes-for-men-2020/

So there you have it, our 5 alternatives to just running! Remember, while all of these great exercises will help you burn calories and help you get into better shape, nothing beats out a good diet and healthy life choices. I tend to believe that to lose weight and make a difference in your body training and workouts only count for about 20% of the overall effort and the other 80% is about having a good diet to supplement those hard-earned workouts.

Date: March 28, 2010 | Author: Adriano | Category: Health Recommendations 


The top 5 workout equipment to workout from home with

In-Home Fitness Equipment

(Opinion Article | Please note: Article includes Affiliate links to Amazon)

With the gyms being closed down it has become harder for people to stay active. While we can go for walks and runs sometimes it is not enough. While we are in quarantine it is important to, first of all, be safe but can also be a period for inner growth. Remaining active during this time is really important and can really be a morale booster for your physical and mental health. Looking good makes you feel good so we suggest picking up some home gym equipment to get you to stay active during these trying times.


TRX

The first option we suggest is the TRX which are suspension body-weight trainers. The great thing about these is that they are usable indoors and outdoors so you can complete a full-body workout wherever you have something sturdy to attach it to. The TRX is also beginner-friendly and a great addition for people with gym experience. It really shines as a product because of the versatility of exercises you can do with it. 

What makes the TRX a worthwhile investment is that it has a very healthy post-purchase support. They have a great app available but we also especially like the fact that it provides its users with free workouts for those who don’t really know where to start or for those who are new to the TRX. It is also space-efficient and is an overall great choice for anybody looking to stay active during the outbreak.

TRX

Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash

 

You can find the TRX through its homepage at https://www.trxtraining.com/ or on Amazon.com. On the homepage, however, they have different options for the TRX and also have fitness bundles which can be an interesting option as well.

Price: ~$179 (depending on what package you get)


Door Frame Pull Up Bar

Attachable pull-up bars are a great way to keep active during the quarantine. The concept is simple as you can do only a couple exercises with it but are powerful ones as they are not for the faint of heart. The pull-up bar is a great upper body workout that is really challenging to anyone because you are lifting your own dead weight up. It is also one of the most effective exercises you can do as it hits a majority of your upper body. 

We believe that a door frame pull-up bar also has a psychological effect on some people. Seeing the pull-up bar acts almost like a reminder for you to get a few reps in whenever you pass by the door. If you manage to keep up with this you will see that your strength will increase very quickly. This could be a perfect fit for you if you’re having trouble staying committed to remaining active while you are at home.


Power Tower

A power tower is something that is extremely versatile when it comes to what workouts you can accomplish on it. It is basically like a station at the gym with multiple functions, for instance, there is a pull-up section, push-up station, a dip station as well as a knee raise station. 

The main muscle groups it targets are the arms, chest, shoulders, and core. You can really get a full upper-body workout because of the flexibility of a power tower. Keep in mind that for a Power Tower you will need some space in your house to set this up!

There are other options but here is where you can start your research. 

Find it at: https://amzn.to/3bukMki

Price: $157 


Kettlebells

Kettlebell’s for those who don’t know, are essentially an iron or steel metal ball with a handle on it. The beauty of a kettlebell is its ability to be used for a variety of different workouts, from the upper body to lower body exercises you can really get a high-intensity workout in. You can easily find kettlebell workouts online and are an easy way for you to stay active at home. Kettlebells are extremely easy to use and don’t need a lot of space to be used efficiently. You can also store a kettlebell fairly easily so there is no issue for them taking space.

Kettlebell exercises are known to improve flexibility, overall muscular strength, core strength and helps burn fat and keep muscle lean. They are a great tool in anyone’s fitness toolbox because of their flexibility.

Find some at: https://amzn.to/3bpCDJk

Price:~starting at $25 but price increases with heavier kettlebells

 

Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash


Rowing Machine

Rowing Machine

Photo by Kyle Kranz on Unsplash

Many swear by rowing machines as they are a great way to engage your whole body and keep the calories off. It is something that you can do in a short amount of time as well like 15-minute workouts which are high intensity but deliver solid results. If you are someone who wants something simple that will challenge you every time you get on, a rowing machine can be perfect for you. It is an amazing cardio machine that has really outmatched the treadmill and exercise bikes because of its capabilities to be able to train more than just legs while keeping thew rhythm at a high tempo.

What’s great about a rowing machine is that you are able to challenge yourself without hurting yourself. It is a safe machine that minimizes injuries and you can really push hard to try and beat your previous rowing stats. A rowing machine excels when it comes to burning calories and building a good foundation for your muscles to be stronger and better defined. 

Like all the equipment on the list, you can easily find workout programs for rowing so you can try something different every time. Rowing machines don’t take up too much space and can be easily folded and stored for future use. While it is the most expensive item on our list it is definitely worth the investment because of the dividends it could pay off for you.

Find one at: https://amzn.to/2QOrEkV

Price: $900

 

 


Bonus: If you really want to challenge yourself try to pick up a weighted vest from Amazon. They add 20-50 pounds to your current weight. They are a relatively cheap expense that can bring out some big change as it really pushes you to work for that extra weight on you. It will make every single workout that much harder and can also be used as an additional accessory to every single piece of equipment on our list.

Best Screens to Increase Productivity While Working From Home

Tips to Getting a Second Screen 

(Opinion Article | Please note: Article includes Affiliate links to Amazon)

As we all have different jobs in different fields, we naturally use our computers for different purposes. With the demand for computer monitors currently rising, and with the number of people having to work from home now, get ahead of the curve and pick one up from Amazon.ca before they sell out. Currently, these six monitors are all in stock and have Amazon prime service for those quicker deliveries. These monitors vary in different sizes, prices, and features so you can pick one of these that suits your budget and needs.


Asus Designo MX279HS 27” Monitor Frameless 1080P IPS Eye Care HDMI VGA

The Asus Designo is a sleek looking monitor. It normally has a few different sizes and variations however because of the shortage there are only a couple choices remaining. However, Asus products provide great quality and great design that will last you a long time. The Designo is a great all-around monitor with a very appealing simple design. 

Price: CDN$ 294.16 

Specs of Asus Designo MX279HS 27” Monitor:

  • 27-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS monitor with a wide 178 Degree viewing angle featuring dual HDMI and VGA
  • Stereo 3W speakers co-developed by Asus SonicMaster technology provide rich, spacious sound while eliminating the need for external speakers
  • Award-winning frameless design and sundial-inspired base with a metallic, icicle gold finish
  • More details here/Source: https://amzn.to/3dvzzgv

P.s. if you are fast enough, this model also has a 31.5-inch Curved screen version which comes in at a more expensive price of CDN$ 544.40.

Check product here: https://amzn.to/3dvzzgv


ViewSonic VX2252MH 22 Inch 2ms 60Hz 1080p Gaming Monitor with HDMI DVI and VGA Inputs

Even though the ViewSonic classifies itself as a “gaming monitor” don’t be fooled as it is still a very good monitor for overall use. If you’re looking for a simple economic hybrid monitor for office and gaming, this may be the perfect monitor at its current low price.

Price: CDN$ 156.99

Specs ViewSonic VX2252MH 22:

  • Form and Function: With a modern design, and Full HD (1920x1080p) resolution, these monitors look as good as it performs
  • Game on: An arsenal of pre-set customizable visual modes keeps you ready for gaming and multimedia entertainment
  • Maximized Color and Contrast MEGA Dynamic Contrast Ratio delivers sharp, crisp images
  • More details/Source: https://amzn.to/2WGYlUV

More details: https://amzn.to/2WGYlUV


3. Acer 32″ 1080P 1920 X1080 @60Hz /4ms / IPS HDMI / EB321HQ Awi – White

This Acer 32-inch monitor comes in as the largest monitor on our list.  It provides a widescreen experience along with fantastic picture quality. It is one of the more expensive ones on the list but is worth the investment if you plan on extensive use with it for office work.

Price: CDN$ 314.98

Specs Acer 32″ 1080P 1920 X1080:

  • 32-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen IPS Display
  • Response time: 4ms
  • Pixel Pitch: 0.3675mm
  • Ports: 1 x HDMI 1.4 & 1 x VGA

More details/source: https://amzn.to/2QJeNQU


4. LG Full HD IPS LED Monitor 27MK430H-B 27-Inch Screen LCD 14700510

Much like the ViewSonic, this LG monitor has strong capabilities with gaming and regular office/work needs. It comes in at a steeper price than the ViewSonic but not without its reason. The innards of the LG are overall better quality. It also has a better screen display and can really push the gaming experience if you are a serious gamer. This LG monitor also has a bonus featuring wall mounting so you don’t have to have a traditional setup if you don’t want to.

Price: CDN$ 240.50

Specs of LG Full HD IPS LED Monitor:

  • 27-inch
  • Radeon FreeSync: reduces the tearing and stuttering that occur between a graphic card’s frame rate and a monitor’s refresh rate enabling smoother motion and less stuttering in fast, demanding games
  • Dynamic Action Sync: Minimize input lag with Dynamic Action Sync so you can catch every single moment in real-time

More Details/source: https://amzn.to/2Ugcc2S


5. Samsung LU28H750UQNXZA 28-Inch Screen LED-lit Monitor

This Samsung monitor is great for videos and pictures, especially if you edit. It is top quality design and product. It provides amazing colour support and has really sharp looking display which can really create a beautiful display. It is also 28-inch which is surprisingly big for such a great picture display.

Price: CDN$ 497.10

Specs:

  • Quantum dot. Brightness-300cd/m2
  • 1 billion colour support
  • Slim bezel design. Static Contrast Ratio1000:1(Typ.), 700:1(Min)

Learn more/Source: https://amzn.to/3aj873I


6. BenQ PD2700U 27 inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor | HDR | 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 | AQColor Tech for Accurate Reproduction

For the most expensive monitor on our list, we have the BenQ PD2700. This model is a high-end monitor that is specifically geared for creators, designers, photographers and videographers. You will find this monitor extremely rewarding as alongside its amazing display quality, it carries a lot of special and different features such as eye protector sensor, low blue light, its colour accuracy and the 4k high definition. The BenQ is the sharpest monitor on our list if you have the money to splurge a little.

Price: CDN$ 599.99

Specs:

  • Ultra high resolution monitor, 27 inch LED 4K HD (3840x216n0 resolution), 20,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio for exceptional color accuracy
  • Professional Graphic Design Display: 10-bit, 100% sRGB and Rec.709 Optimal Color Precision, CAD/CAM, Dark Room, and Animation Mode. Incredible image detail with 5ms GTG
  • Ergonomic Display: Dual View, height-adjustable stand, Eye Protector Sensor, Zero Flicker and Low Blue Light, plus Pilot software for customized monitor setting

Learn more/Source: https://amzn.to/3dqJKD6