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5 Easy Ways To Burn Fat Without "Exercising," Trainer Says

These activities will keep you active without spending hours at the gym.
FACT CHECKED BY Alexa Mellardo

"I don't have time to work out." If I had a dollar for every client who has made this claim, I'd be a very wealthy woman. As a trainer and new mom, I totally get it—our lives are busier than ever, and while we know that exercising is key to our longevity and a healthy lifestyle, it still falls to the bottom of the to-do list. In order to get toned, burn fat, and make working out a priority, you need to shift your mindset.

Think about it as daily movement, or the goal of moving your body in some way every day, rather than another chore on your laundry list. This could be as simple as going for a walk or doing movement that you enjoy and fits into your schedule. Bonus points if you encourage others—especially your friends and family—to do them with you. In order to burn fat and get active, we've rounded up activities that will keep you happy without spending hours at the gym.

Read on to learn about the best activities to burn fat that don't feel like your typical exercise. And next up, check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Park your car further away

businessman talking on mobile phone.
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This one couldn't be easier. While you are trained to find the nearest parking spot, defy this instinct, and park a few blocks away. Why? It's the same concept as taking the stairs—it will force you to be more physically active without having to put in any real effort. Imagine how many additional steps you'll get in if you did this every day!

Related: The 5 Best Strength Training Exercises To Burn Fat Fast, Trainer Says

Explore your neighborhood

Cheerful female cyclist enjoying a bike ride
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Whether you live in a big city or a small town, a great way to reacquaint yourself with your neighborhood (or get to know it better if you recently moved) is by exploring it. This can be accomplished by walking, biking, or running. The best part? You might meet new neighbors, take a different scenic route, or find a new favorite coffee spot along the way. So lace up your sneakers, and get going!

Use your lunch break to your advantage

women walking together to burn fat and get active outdoors
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First off, you deserve a lunch break whether it's just 10 minutes or an hour, so make sure to take it. Second, use it as an excuse to get outside, and get your body moving. You can walk around the block a few times and take in the scenery, run a local errand, or pick up a yummy lunch. Additionally, it will give you the mental break you desperately need to recharge and be more productive for the rest of the day.

Related: The Best Outdoor Cardio Exercises To Get Toned Fast, Trainer Says

Get active with your kids

woman in athletic attire jogging with her baby in a stroller along lake
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Babies and kids require movement in order to build their muscles and coordination. Furthermore, they need to exert energy throughout the day to sleep more soundly for naps and bedtime. So why not join them? Everyone wins—physically, mentally, and emotionally. There's no better way to show your kids how important it is to stay active on top of building a deeper bond with them. The park is always a great destination.

Hike and heal your soul

happy couple hikes in nature to burn fat and get active
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There's a reason why people say "nature heals." Hiking is amazing for using its beauty to distract you from the cardio workout. The trails also provide you with a concrete route, so there's no turning back. Plus, if you pick the right one, you will be climbing towards a jaw-dropping view that you won't want to miss. You will feel so incredibly refreshed and accomplished once you reach the top or end of your trail. After all, nature has been proven to lower stress and be a major mood booster—so get out there, and soak it up.

Want to try the mini workout trend, too? Try the below workouts:

Jacquie Smith
Jacquie Smith is a certified integrative nutrition health coach from IIN and a fitness instructor specializing in barre, yoga, and pre/postnatal workouts. Read more about Jacquie