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How To: Survive the Summer Without a Gym

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Montana chapter.

If you’re not taking summer classes and running a little low on money to pay for gym membership, then your options for obtaining that bikini body you need for the summer may seem slim. However, there are cost-friendly ways to utilize what you got to keep in tip-top shape.

·      Run. Get outside and run. It’s cheap and you can do it anywhere. Running will keep your entire body in shape.
·      Do exercises that use your own body weight. Push-ups, crunches, lunges, and calf raises don’t require any extra equipment. These are the type of exercises they do in the military. You can’t go wrong here.
·      Use playground equipment. Monkey bars can be your new pull up bars. Use park benches to put your feet on while you do push-ups for a challenge. Get creative.
·      Find some cheap work out DVDs. Use this summer to teach yourself some hip-hop moves. On top of learning a new skill, you’ll get a great cardio work out.
·      Get yourself a couple resistance bands. These bands don’t take up any room and you can find them for cheap at stores like Wal-Mart. The exercises you can do with these stretchy resistance bands are endless. You can target your entire body.
·      Find a new outdoor activity. Go hiking, swimming, or play tennis. There are so many recreational activities that will keep you in shape. Just get out there.

No excuses. Just because you can’t use the gym doesn’t mean you can slack off. Stay active during the summer. Remember to drink a lot of water and eat healthy. Also, anytime you’re outside working out, don’t forget the sunblock!

Alyse is a senior at the University of Montana with a journalism major. She was born and raised in the small town of Dillon, Montana. When not busy with school, Alyse likes to enjoy the beautiful mountains of Montana. In addition to volunteering with Her Campus, Alyse also volunteers at the YWCA by leading support groups for domestic violence and sexual assualt survivors. After graduation, Alyse wants to explore the field of journalism in a warm and sunny climate.