After 20 years as a loyal member of a gym, I canceled my membership.
So far it's been liberating.
I don't require any fancy equipment or a special place to get in a quality workout.
When I joined my first gym, I was scared.
I had no idea what to expect and I thought everyone there already knew what they were doing and were in better shape than me.
Eventually I got in better shape. Along the way, I made plenty of mistakes and learned what to do and what NOT to do in the gym.
The gym became a part of my identity.
I followed training programs, and soon I was creating my own routines for myself and friends.
The problem I kept running into was relying on the gym and certain pieces of equipment.
My entire workout could be ruined if that equipment wasn't available.
What should be a stress relief (exercise) started to become frustrating.
At one point my schedule got so busy that I could no longer get to the gym my normal days.
I had to get creative.
This period of time helped me realize that I didn't need to rely on a gym setup for my fitness needs.
My workouts started to incorporate more outdoor training. Hill sprints, stair running, monkey bars, calisthenics, sled dragging in the park..
I loved the challenge, but what I really enjoyed was the creativity this new style of exercise allowed me to develop.
Even so, I kept my gym membership, put up with the crowds, and tried to block out the awful music blaring from the speakers.
The Shift
On my annual family vacation this summer I had what alcoholics calls “a moment of clarity”.
I had been doing bodyweight workouts each morning by the ocean and the idea came to me.
Soon I would cancel my gym membership and start training in a “Rebel Fitness” style.
There was a vision that came to me.
I knew I had to make a shift.
What also struck me was how this experience could help other people.
Once the weather got colder here in Buffalo I decided it was time.
My logic being that I dislike winter so much that I was going to force myself to go outside into the cold every day, no matter the conditions.
It was a new challenge to myself to push outside my comfort zone.
The gym environment had become my comfort zone and it was time to break free.
People thought I was nuts. That motivated me even more.
It was time to show that you can create a powerful workout routine without a gym membership or any fancy equipment at all.
All I have is a jump rope, sled with a few weight plates, and a homemade sandbag.
I've done workouts in the garage, backyard, playgrounds and parks.
You don't NEED anything that the media or magazines tell you that is necessary to get in great shape.
I've put together programs for my clients with nothing more than bodyweight.
How you can get fit without a gym membership
If you have been a loyal member of a gym that you don't truly enjoy, maybe it's time to cancel that membership and start working out at home or the park.
There are plenty of options for bodyweight workouts. You don't need anything fancy or expensive.
Sure, you can build a home gym if you have the space but that's not essential.
If you want to get some equipment for home workouts, I suggest a pair of adjustable dumbbells or a barbell and rack with some free weights.
Some folks use nothing other than their own bodyweight and get in tip-top shape without ever stepping foot in a commercial gym.
The choice is yours.
When I walked out of the gym for the last time, I felt liberated!
If you want to feel empowered, start your own workout routine at home. Get creative and enjoy the benefits of physical and mental strength for years to come.
You don't need a gym!
If you need help with a bodyweight program you can do at home, I created one called LEVEL-UP 45
45 days of workouts, along with daily healthy habits, a nutrition guide and accountability to keep you on track.
If you don’t want to go to a gym anymore, try bodyweight training. No more crappy music or waiting for equipment (that some bloke didn’t wipe down)
Start NOW- LEVEL UP 45 is a downloadable program that shows you just how to work out even if you have NO equipment.
6 weeks to become the fittest you have ever been.
Hard to believe? I know. It was for me too.
I gave it a chance and I have not looked back.
Once you know you can build yourself into TIP TOP shape without any fancy equipment or complex program, you are FREE to change your life quickly.
Go NOW! This program is for action-takers only.
If you don’t want to put in the work required, DO NOT buy it.
You aren’t one of those slackers are you?
Hope not.
Be great.