It’s that point in quarantine where you’ve been absentmindedly browsing running shoes online because you’ve gotten that desperate for some activity. Before you go that far, consider some friendlier ways to exercise that you’re more likely to stick to. We’re all itching to get out, but one of the most important things to being consistent with a workout routine is to find something you really enjoy. If that’s running, then send it on those neon orange shoes (why are they always neon?) and go kill it. But if you despise running with every part of your soul, there are other ways to get your blood flowing that you might even fall in love with.
 

A common misconception about working out on your own without a gym is that it has to be running, and therefore it has to be painful. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, walking just 10,000 steps a day has been proven to help you attain health-minded goals. The Mayo Clinic recommends a baseline of 1,000 steps a day. So how can you possibly reach 10,000 steps? It’s not as hard as you might think. Walking just thirty minutes a day can get you to your goal.
 

Try listening to a podcast while you walk, printing out a study guide and quizzing yourself while you walk (employ a walking buddy to assist you!), or walk to an exciting and fun location. You used to walk to class, to the bars, to Autzen, sometimes all in one day. It’s way more accessible than you think.
 

*Tip: Track your steps on a fitness app if you don’t have a Fitbit or similar device, or purchase a pedometer online for under $25.
 

So you’re bored of walking now, or you don’t have a quarantine friend to join you. Never fear, you have more choices.

Often, people don’t realize that activities they do every day can be ramped up to improve their fitness and activity level. Ever wanted a home gym, but fear that your tiny apartment won’t cut it? You’d be surprised.
 

Large water bottles, bags of rice, jugs of milk or orange juice, backpacks full of books, stair cases, couches, and chairs can all be used to stand in for common fitness equipment you find in the gym. For example, let’s train those triceps. Place two chairs about your body length apart (if you’re 5’, then 5’ apart), place your hands on one chair and your heels on the chair across from you. Now lower yourself off the chair while keeping your hands in place and push yourself back up to complete one rep. Your butt should not touch the floor, you just want to activate those triceps! Want a bigger challenge? Place a bag of rice on your lap to add more weight.
 

Even beyond trying to recreate a gym, you may be making choices that you’re more comfortable with, but could be improved to help you reach your fitness goals. Next time you make a run to the grocery store, park as far away from the entrance as possible. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can bring a large backpack and some extra bags and walk to the store. Safeway will allow you to use reusable bags during COVID-19 regulations, as long as you’re willing to bag items yourself.
 

Here’s a tip that will benefit you in more ways than one. CLEAN! Take a week to scrub down your home and really get that blood pumping. If you’ve ever deep cleaned, you know that feeling of being hot and tired by the time you’ve vacuumed the entire house and scrubbed the countertops and floors. You’re not just doing chores, you’re getting incredible endorphins pumping through your body and making your space more enjoyable. Try to stay on your feet for as long as you can while you clean, and if it’s really quite dirty, commit to working on the space for a few days at a time. Then, keep it clean. Put things back where you found them, pick up your clothes from the floor.
 

And lastly, Netflix and *don’t* chill. Frankly, workouts can be exhausting mentally and physically. So make it a game for yourself. If you’re feeling like you need to move, but you’re mentally not there yet, turn on your favorite show and create a plan. Every time there’s a new scene, or a certain character comes on screen, do 10 crunches or 30 jumping jacks. Make it hard for yourself and get a good sweat. Before you know it, you’ll have worked out for 20-50 minutes and you won’t feel like any time has passed at all.