Ditch the gym

The last time I was in a gym, I was signing cancelation papers.

That was over a year ago, and even though I now have no access to cardio equipment or weights, having completed and placed in several triathlons, duathlons and road races is a tell-tale sign one does not need a membership to stay in shape.

Okay, I admit it, I fell victim to a two-week trial at a 24-hour gym during colder weather, but it was obviously not the place for me. Cardio equipment was constantly clogged by slow-moving individuals fixated on their personal TVs, and the weight room was overrun by meat heads who you'd have to arm wrestle for who gets dibs on the squat rack.

Getting a new gym membership is exciting, but it typically fades after a few weeks after monotony sets in. Personal training is expensive and classes quickly become repetitive.

It seems in this country we tend to equate health and weight loss with having a pricey gym membership, as well as equally expensive fitness attire.

Blue Zones author Dan Buettner, who advocates for natural, built-in forms of exercise, has estimated the U.S. shells out $100 billion per year on gym memberships and diets.

Instead, Buettner advocates for finding enjoyable ways to move naturally.

Gardening, taking long walks while chatting with family and friends or swapping the car for a bike to run errands around town certainly fit into that category.

Good idea for most, but for those who have a certain fitness level to maintain, there are a few other options, especially when it's too hot.

Doing power jumps with Shaun T or Superman/banana with Tony Horton probably does not qualify as natural movement, but is certainly is enjoyable, if you're in to working up a good sweat.

Looking for strengthening moves? Try a couple of free, online favorites: Pilates with Cassey Ho on blogilates.com, vinyasa at myyogaonline.com or yogatoday.com or bodyweight exercises at greatist.com.

* Ashley Miller is a member of the new staff. Reach the columnist at amiller@stormlakepilottribune.com