Myth: The best place to work out is the gym.

Answer: BUSTED!

It is important for each person to find their favorite setting to participate in physical activity. By finding your favorite exercise setting, it becomes easier to stick with an exercise regimen and achieve your fitness goals. There are many places to exercise other than the gym; however, if you find you are more focused and work out harder at the gym then that is where you should go. What if you have never stepped foot in a gym or fitness center?? Many offer free week-long trials and also include a free personal training session, so maybe now is the time to try it out.

If heading to the fitness center isn’t an option for you, here are a few other ideas…

Join a sports league such as softball or volleyball and get your spouse and kids involved for family fun.

Exercise to a workout DVD and get fit in the comfort of your own home. There are a lot of safe, fun exercise DVDs available. Find one that interests you such as a dance or kickboxing workout.

Find an exercise class at the fitness center. They usually charge for each class but are still a fraction of the cost of a full gym membership.

Walk or bike around the block with a friend or your kids.

Go to the ice skating rink. It is a great cardio exercise even though it doesn’t seem like exercise.

Play the Wii or XBOX Kinect with the kids for entertaining activity.

Remember to always stretch, stay hydrated and HAVE FUN!!!

Be sure to check with your physician before starting an exercise plan.

Additional nutrition and health information can be found on the Missouri Families website.

Contributor: Jill Miranda, Mo DHSS, Dietetic Intern; Denise Schmitz, M.A., R.D., Nutrition & Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, 816-482-5854, schmitzda@missouri.edu