It’s not that I hate the gym.
Okay, that’s not entirely true. I kind of do. The fluorescent lights, the awkward machines, the pressure to perform, the lockers that never quite close, and the mirrors—always the mirrors.
But more than anything, it’s the assumption that the gym is step one for anyone who wants to get healthy.
When I decided to take control of my health—after a brutal round of lab results that included an A1C of 10.9, cholesterol at 238, and a weight of 260 pounds—I knew this journey had to look different for me. Because if it didn’t feel doable, I wasn’t going to do it.
So I made a decision early on: I’m not going to the gym.
Not now. Maybe not ever. And that’s okay.
The Problem with the Gym-First Mentality
Most weight loss advice starts with: “Join a gym.” But for many of us, that’s not just unhelpful—it’s overwhelming, demoralizing, and, let’s be honest, expensive.
I’ve tried joining before. And like clockwork, I’d go a few times, get frustrated, feel out of place, and eventually stop showing up. I’d end up paying to feel bad about myself.
If you love the gym? That’s great. I’m genuinely happy for you. But it’s not the only path. And it’s certainly not the only option for people with high A1C, high cholesterol, and a lot of weight to lose.
We deserve movement that feels approachable, enjoyable, and actually sustainable.
So What Am I Doing Instead?
1. Geocaching as Movement
Geocaching is like hiking and treasure hunting had a baby. It’s fun, surprising, and best of all—I forget I’m exercising.
Some days it’s a quick walk around a neighborhood. Other days it’s a multi-mile trek through woods or trails. But either way, I’m outside, moving my body, and feeding my curiosity—not punishing it.
2. Walking (with Low Pressure)
I walk. A lot. Not in a “10,000 steps or else” kind of way—but in a “let’s take a walk and not overthink it” kind of way.
I walk to process stress. I walk to podcast. I walk to pick up dinner ingredients. It counts. All of it counts.
3. Stair Breaks, Yardwork, Random Movement
I move more around the house. I do the laundry in one trip instead of three. I take stairs instead of elevators when I can. I pull weeds. I dance in the kitchen. These little changes add up.
4. Trying Healthy Meals Without Diet Culture
I’ve started experimenting with recipes that support lower blood sugar and cholesterol. I focus on protein, fiber, healthy fats—and I’m slowly taming my salt-loving self. (Still a sucker for a savory snack, though.)
But Don’t You Need the Gym to Get Fit?
That depends on your definition of “fit.”
If fit means six-pack abs, sure—you might want some weights. But if fit means:
- lower A1C
- better cholesterol
- more energy
- less joint pain
- improved mood
- and more trust in your own body
…then no. You absolutely do not need a gym.
I’m building a healthier life by living differently, not by spending an hour in a building with machines I don’t enjoy.
Let’s Talk Numbers (And Progress)
It’s been months since I started. I’m not “there” yet—but I’m not where I started either. I’ve begun tracking monthly progress and here’s what’s shifting:
- More daily movement than I’ve done in years
- Cravings starting to soften, especially sugar
- Mood more stable thanks to walking + sunlight
- Clothes fitting differently, and I’m not mad about it
- Down several pounds (slowly, but sustainably)
- A1C retest upcoming—and I’m feeling cautiously hopeful
What I Gained When I Stopped Forcing Gym Culture
- More joy in movement
Because I choose what feels good—not what feels required. - Consistency over perfection
Because I’ll actually do a 20-minute walk. A 90-minute gym session? Not so much. - A deeper connection to the outdoors
Walking and geocaching have reconnected me with fresh air, seasonal changes, and something bigger than myself. - Less shame around my body
Because the gym made me constantly compare. Nature doesn’t.
Frequently Asked: “But What Are You Doing for Strength?”
Right now? I carry my own groceries. I dig holes in the garden. I pick up heavy-ish stuff during the day. I may add light weights at home eventually, but I’m not stressing about it.
For now, my focus is mobility, stamina, and blood sugar regulation.
Movement Without the Gym: A Realistic List
If you’re like me—starting from a hard health moment and feeling stuck—here’s what I recommend trying:
- Geocaching
- Neighborhood walks
- Mall walking in bad weather
- Gardening
- Cleaning with music on
- Stretching during TV time
- Short dance videos on YouTube
- Parking farther away on purpose
- Playing hide-and-seek with your kids
You don’t need a treadmill to have momentum. You need a reason that matters to you.
What This Journey Is Really About
At the root of all of this, it’s not about exercise. It’s about reclaiming my health—on my terms.
It’s about learning how to support my body without shaming it.
It’s about finding food that fuels me and movement that doesn’t make me dread my day.
It’s about proving to myself that I can make changes, even if I’ve failed at them before.
And honestly? It’s about building a life where I still get to be moody, messy, and hungry—just not sick.
If You’re Starting Here Too…
You don’t have to be “athletic.” You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to earn your health with misery.
You just have to start somewhere.
Maybe that’s a walk.
Maybe that’s a new dinner plan.
Maybe it’s deleting the gym app and forgiving yourself.
You’re not alone in this. I’m proof that even with terrifying numbers, long-ingrained habits, and a salt addiction—change is still possible.
And I’ll keep showing up here to prove it.