As North American men continue to push the physical boundaries of their standard pant sizes, the diet and fitness industries are quick to follow by pumping out crazier, and crazier contraptions and products in an attempt to cash in on us supposedly overfat, hypo-muscular consumers. Take for example the phallic "Shake Weight for Men" - a frivolous piece of fitness equipment that looks mildly to moderately inappropriate when in action (c'mon, you so lol'd!).
The "Shake Weight" is only a small example from the endless stream of sensationalized fitness equipment, most of which are now obsolete and sitting underneath our beds, stashed in the basement, eventually ending up in a landfill (or as unattractive lawn chairs). Rather than contribute to the massive amounts of waste and money spent on products that seem to do little to curb our bounding bellies, I dug around the interwebs for some greener ways to get fit.
And if you're like me and have an attention span that's too short for the gym (or you're just allergic to gym fees), here are 5 free ways to get fit for free (without the fandangled infomercial equipment):
1) Running (Couch to 5K)
The Couch to 5K plan was originally started by Cool Running. It's a program designed for those of us who have permanent ass indentations on the cushions of our couches, or just your average Joe looking for an easy introduction (or re-introduction) to running.
2) Swimming (Total Immersion)
If you haven't been to the pool in a while, it may be time to pull out those swim trunks. I came across the Total Immersion method for swimming on the Blog of Tim Ferriss. It's an approach to swimming that can make the sport a lot more fun (and help you move a lot faster if you normally swim like an overfed goldfish).
3) 100 Push Ups
Currently, the idea of doing 100 consecutive push-ups only exists in my fantasies, next to being Chuck Norris and having a fro, but this immensely popular program can help you build up the core strength to perform the manly feat, all the while working the guns and firming your chest which can help reduce manboobage. Just Google 100 push ups.
4) Triathlon
Get bored of just swimming, cycling, or running? Do all three! I'm currently training for the Vancouver Triathlon this coming fall. I found this great, basic triathlon training guide from Multisport Canada that outlines a 10-week training program for a sprint distance race.
5) Speed Rope ("Skipping")
Skipping rope brings up imagery of frilly girls singing rhymes, not your typical descriptor of something manly. But those frilly girls were on to something. Now think Rocky (cue 'Eye of the Tiger'). Speed rope or skipping has been part of a boxer's toolkit for ages, and for good reason. Not only does it build coordination and physical stamina, it looks darn cool. I have yet to achieve this level of coolness, but it's still fun and gives the ticker a great workout.
Bonus!
Instead of buying anything fitness related, what if everything around you offered opportunities to challenge your body? How about parkour or l'art du déplacement? Chances are you've seen the famous YouTube videos of men performing Herculean feats like running up walls, jumping from building to building, rolling over park benches and senior citizens alike. While I haven't ran up any walls recently, or like ever, jumping over benches (passement), swinging from monkey bars (lâché) and climbing the occasional fence (passe muraille) are some parkour movements I've added to runs and walks to break up the monotony of routine.
Parkour emphasizes the keen appreciation for the urban landscape, an eye for your immediate physical surroundings. Sometimes I need to remind myself, isn't that what "being fit" is truly about? Losing the man baggage in order to better appreciate the world and to experience life fully. All else is just a gimmick. Why buy something that's already free and within grasp? Keep more money in your pocket and spare the waste.
Get fit for free!
