Why I skip gyms and use park workouts instead

A lot of digital nomads push the idea that you must find a gym in each new place to stay in shape. I used to follow that, but I've changed my mind. In my experience, chasing gym memberships added stress and cost without much gain. For example, in Lisbon, I paid for a month but only went twice due to my busy schedule. Now, I stick to simple routines like push-ups and lunges in city parks. It saves money, lets me see more of the local area, and keeps me active. I've found that consistency with these free workouts works better for me than sporadic gym visits. So, I think it's okay to break from the gym-obsessed norm and find what truly fits your mobile life.

4 comments

4 Comments

price.ben3mo agoMost Upvoted

Gyms don't have to be sporadic if you schedule them right. Still, your approach clearly works for your lifestyle.

ryan623mo ago

Couldn't agree more, right? I've had the same success by treating the gym like a fixed appointment.

spencera773mo ago

What's the penalty for missing a gym appointment? Do they charge a no-show fee like a doctor's office? I bet my gym would love that idea.

michael_green442mo ago

You know, I read an article once about how people who work out outside tend to stick with it longer (something about sunlight and fresh air, I guess). That "consistency with free workouts" line really hits home for me. I used to force myself to find a gym in every new city, just like @ryan62 mentioned treating it like a fixed appointment, but it felt like a chore. Now I just find a park bench for step-ups or use a low wall for tricep dips. It's way less pressure, and I actually see more of the place I'm visiting.