Signing up for a monthly gym membership can be a big commitment. If you’re not ready to sign on the dotted line, there are many ways that can still get your heart pumping!

Evan Plowgian, MD, Sports Medicine, shares various ways you can get your workout in without hitting the gym:

1. Body-weight exercises at home. You don’t need to own weights to build your strength, just use your body!
2. Class at Chicago Botanic Garden. With a holistic approach, the garden delivers classes for people of all ages and abilities.
3. Run or bike in the forest preserve. There are plenty of beautiful trails in the Chicagoland area.
4. Swimming at the local recreation center or in the summer months in local lakes!
5. Yoga at home with a rented DVD from the library. There are different levels of yoga offered.
6. Workout apps. Just do a quick search in your app store to see what best fits your interests.
7. Walking paths at Chicago Botanic Garden. Open year-round, you can get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery on walking paths.  

Before starting any new-to-you exercises, check with your physician for safety tips!