
- It clashes with your schedule. You can't ever find a suitable time to go, and you feel guilty because you're not making the most of your membership. That guilt is a powerful negative emotion you really don't need in your life!
- There's a pressure to 'look the part'. Whether it's physically, or just by the clothes you wear. If this makes you uncomfortable, that's fine. You're certainly not alone.
- It's boring. Like we said, the gym isn't for everyone. Maybe the classes don't appeal, and the idea of using the equipment becomes monotonous quickly. That's quite common, and absolutely fine by the way.
- It's expensive. Especially if you either hate going, or don't go full stop.

- HIIT. High Intensity Interval Training. One of the most effective ways to burn fat, and a workout you can do anywhere and at any time. It basically means pushing your body to its absolute limit for a very short period of time (usually 30-45 seconds) before resting for a short interval, then starting again. A HIIT workout need only be around 20 minutes in length, meaning you can slot one in every morning and reap the benefits all day. Because you push your body to raise the heart rate so rapidly, rest, then repeat, your body is forced into burning fat for much longer during the rest of the day. So a HIIT workout really will set you up for the day and proves once and for all that there really is no need for a gym membership. Examples of HIIT workouts can be found easily on YouTube, or you can take it outdoors and just go for it. Use a watch to time a 30 second sprint, 30 second rest. Try it!
- Walk. Yes, so many people assume that running is the only way to get fit and lose weight etc, but actually walking can be just as effective. And not only that, but you can bring friends with you to enjoy the scenery and some good conversation at the same time. Adopt a brisk pace and find some hills to climb. You won't regret it.
- Run. Ok, so some of us love to run and if the treadmill bores you silly, then quit the gym and take it outdoors. Being outside releases so many more endorphins because we humans like the interaction with nature. To feel the sun on your skin, smell the freshly cut grass, listen to the birds... you don't get that in the gym. In fact, running can be so much more than a fitness plan. Running helps you to keep a good track of your progress and can be an amazingly social activity too. Find your local running club, enlist the company of good friends. If you love running but hate the gym, we promise this is the perfect antidote.