10 Quirky Fitness Hacks for 2025 That Prove You Don’t Need a Gym!
Let’s face it, gyms aren’t for everyone. The machines, the queues, the sweaty vibes, it’s not exactly exciting. But guess what? Staying fit doesn’t have to involve treadmills or dumbbells. Fitness can be fun, social, and full of surprises. In fact, you can burn calories and get your heart pumping without ever stepping foot in a gym or having a fancy home gym.
Whether you’re looking for home workout ideas, fun group activities, or just some fresh fitness tips, this guide is packed with creative ways to stay active. Let’s kick things off with the tools to track your progress before diving into quirky types of exercise that will make fitness feel like playtime.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Before jumping into these quirky hacks, let’s get the basics right. Staying motivated and tracking your progress are the keys to smashing your fitness goals.
Track Your Progress with Apps
Technology makes it easy to see how much you’re moving and how many calories you’re burning. Here are a few must-have apps:
- MyFitnessPal: Log your meals and workouts. It’s a simple way to track calories and activity.
- Strava: Perfect for running, walking, or cycling. It even maps your routes.
- Fitbit App: Use it with or without a Fitbit to monitor steps and calories burned.
- Pacer: A free pedometer app to keep an eye on your daily step count.
Top Tips to Stay Motivated
- Set Small Goals: Start with something easy, like a 10-minute walk each day.
- Make It Fun: Pick activities you genuinely enjoy, like dancing or playing laser tag.
- Buddy Up: Fitness is always more fun with friends, and it keeps you accountable.
- Celebrate Progress: Hit a goal? Treat yourself, maybe to a new playlist or a trip to Tenpin.
With these tools in place, you’ll be ready to tackle any workout ideas or quirky fitness challenges.
Let’s Start With The “Quirkiest” Fitness Hacks to Get You Moving
If you’re ready to think outside the box when it comes to fitness, these quirky hacks are for you. They’re designed to fit seamlessly into your day and prove that you don’t need a gym to stay active. Whether you’re looking for ways to sneak in exercise while brushing your teeth or combining playtime with your pet into a calorie-burning session, these unique ideas make fitness accessible and fun.
Here’s how to add movement to your day with creative twists that turn everyday moments into mini workouts.
1. Brush and Squat
Why waste time standing still while brushing your teeth? Do squats instead! You can easily complete 15–20 squats in the two minutes it takes to brush. Over the course of a week, you’ll give your legs a solid workout without even trying.
2. Deskercise
Turn work time into workout time with these discreet desk exercises:
- Chair Leg Lifts: Lift one leg straight out and hold for 10 seconds. Alternate legs for a core and leg workout.
- Desk Push-Ups: Use your desk for incline push-ups during short breaks.
- Seated Twists: Grab a water bottle and twist side to side to engage your core.
3. “Advert Crunches”
Use TV adverts as a chance to work your core. During ad breaks, do planks, crunches, or sit-ups. Watching an hour of TV can easily include 10 minutes of sneaky exercise.
4. Hula Hoop Revival
Dust off your old hula hoop and rediscover the joy of this childhood favourite. Using a weighted hula hoop can burn up to 200 calories in 30 minutes while toning your core and improving coordination.
5. Grocery Bag Lifts
Carrying heavy bags? Use them for bicep curls or shoulder presses as you walk to your car or kitchen. It’s functional fitness at its finest!
6. Pet Play Workouts
Turn your dog or cat’s playtime into a calorie-burning session:
- Fetch Sprints: Race your dog to retrieve the ball.
- Tug-of-War Lunges: Hold a lunge position during a tug-of-war game for a leg and arm workout.
7. Kitchen Counter Push-Ups
Waiting for the kettle to boil? Use the time to do incline push-ups against the kitchen counter. Aim for three sets of 10 reps each time you’re in the kitchen.
8. Dance Clean
Turn housework into a dance party! Put on your favourite playlist and add some grooves to vacuuming, mopping, or dusting. You’ll burn calories and have a cleaner home – win-win!
9. Chair Dips
Use a sturdy chair to tone your arms and shoulders with tricep dips. Do three sets of 10 reps whenever you find a spare moment.
10. Active Video Calls
Turn your phone conversations into walking meetings. Pacing while chatting adds movement to your day and helps you hit your step count without even thinking about it.
11. Stairs Backpacks
Turn stairs into a powerful lower-body workout by carrying a weighted backpack. You’ll tone your legs, glutes, and core while burning extra calories.
12. Laugh Your Way Fit
Did you know laughing for 10 minutes can burn 40 calories? Host a comedy night or watch a funny movie to work your core while boosting your mood.
13. Stretch While Streaming
Use your TV time for flexibility. Practice yoga poses like downward dog or seated stretches while binging your favourite shows.
14. Gamify Your Steps
Turn walking into an adventure with apps like Zombies, Run!, which combines fitness with storytelling. Or challenge your friends to a step-count contest for extra motivation.
Our Top Activities for 2025: Hand-Picked by Tenpin
As we step into 2025, we’ve curated a list of our favourite activities that bring together fitness, fun, and unforgettable experiences. These top picks are more than just ways to stay active – they’re about making memories, sharing laughs, and enjoying the journey to better health.
Tenpin Fitness: Bowling and Laser Tag Combined
Calories Burned:
Bowling: 200–300 per hour (arms, core, and legs)
Laser Tag: 400 per 30 minutes (legs and cardio)
Who says exercise has to feel like a chore? At Tenpin, you can swap the gym for the lanes and have a blast while staying active. Bowling is more than just a social activity, it’s a full-body workout in disguise. Every time you pick up that bowling ball, you’re working your arms, core, and legs, burning 200–300 calories in the process. And the best part? It’s a low-impact workout, making it a great option for all ages and fitness levels.
But that’s not all, add a round of laser tag to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a high-energy cardio session. Think of laser tag as a fun version of interval training. You’re constantly sprinting, ducking, and hiding, all while trying to outsmart your opponents. In just 30 minutes, you can burn up to 400 calories while boosting your endurance, reflexes, and coordination. Plus, the neon lights and upbeat music make it feel like a party, not a workout.
Why Bowling and Laser Tag Are Perfect for Fitness
- Engages Multiple Muscle Groups: Bowling tones your arms, strengthens your core, and activates your legs with every approach. Laser tag, on the other hand, is a heart-pumping cardio workout that works your legs and burns fat.
- Fun for Groups: Fitness is better with friends. Whether it’s a team-building event, a family outing, or a night out with mates, bowling and laser tag are perfect for groups.
- No Experience Needed: You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy these activities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll reap the fitness benefits while having fun.
Tips to Maximise Your Tenpin Fitness Session
- Add Friendly Competition: Turn your bowling game into a mini tournament to keep everyone engaged and moving.
- Mix Up the Gameplay: For laser tag, create challenges like “last player standing” or “team captains” to keep it exciting and dynamic.
- Stretch Before You Start: While these activities are fun, they’re still physical. A quick stretch beforehand will help prevent soreness later.
Looking for fresh workout ideas that combine fitness and fun? Check out Tenpin’s bowling and laser tag options for a day packed with calorie-burning excitement. Who needs a treadmill when you’ve got strikes, spares, and high-energy laser battles? Exercise has never been this entertaining!
Paddle Boarding: Balance, Core, and Cardio in One
Calories Burned: 300–450 per hour (core, arms, and legs)
If you’re looking for workout ideas that combine fitness and fun, paddle boarding might just be your next big adventure. Balancing on the board while paddling through calm waters works your entire body, especially your core. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen your abs, tone your arms, and even engage your legs as you stabilise yourself on the board. Plus, spending time outdoors by the water is a surefire way to boost your mood.
The best part? Paddle boarding burns 300–450 calories an hour, making it an excellent low-impact exercise. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, paddle boarding is suitable for all fitness levels. It’s the perfect blend of challenge and relaxation, offering a full-body workout without feeling like one.
Why Paddle Boarding is Great for Fitness
- Engages the Core: Balancing on the board keeps your core engaged throughout the session.
- Strengthens Arms and Shoulders: Every paddle stroke tones your arms and shoulders, giving you a lean, sculpted look.
- Improves Balance and Stability: The constant need to stay upright helps you develop better balance and coordination, which translates to other types of exercise.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Paddle Boarding Session
- Start Slow: If you’re new to paddle boarding, begin on calm waters to get the hang of balancing and paddling.
- Turn It Into a Workout: Once you’re comfortable, challenge yourself with sprints or try yoga poses on the board for added intensity.
- Paddle with Friends: Turn it into a social event. Racing or exploring with friends adds a fun, competitive edge to your workout.
Paddle boarding is not just a fantastic way to get outside but also a unique and exciting way to stay active. It’s one of the best types of exercise if you want to combine strength, cardio, and mindfulness into one fun-filled session. So, grab a board, hit the water, and discover how to get fit while soaking up the sunshine!
Indoor Climbing Walls: Reach New Heights in Fitness
Calories Burned: 500–700 per hour (arms, legs, back, and core)
Looking for workout ideas that push your limits and feel like an adventure? Indoor climbing walls are the ultimate combination of strength, endurance, and problem-solving. Climbing works nearly every muscle in your body, from your arms and legs to your core and back, making it one of the most effective full-body workouts. Plus, the mental challenge of planning your route and solving each "problem" keeps your mind as active as your body.
With 500–700 calories burned per hour, indoor climbing isn’t just a fitness activity, it’s a fun and exhilarating way to level up your types of exercise.
Why Climbing Walls Are Great for Fitness
- Full-Body Workout: Every pull, push, and step engages multiple muscle groups, toning and strengthening your body.
- Improves Flexibility and Coordination: Reaching for holds and manoeuvring your body sharpens coordination and increases flexibility.
- Builds Mental Resilience: The strategic thinking required to conquer a route improves focus, determination, and problem-solving skills.
Tips for Indoor Climbing Success
- Start with Easy Routes: Most climbing gyms offer colour-coded walls based on difficulty. Begin with beginner routes to build confidence.
- Focus on Technique: Use your legs for power instead of relying solely on your arms, it’s the secret to climbing longer without tiring out.
- Bring a Buddy: Climbing with a friend adds a social element and provides extra motivation (or cheering) when you’re tackling tough walls.
Why It’s Perfect for All Fitness Levels
Indoor climbing is a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced athletes. Many climbing gyms cater to different skill levels, so you can progress at your own pace. It’s also a great alternative to a home workout, especially if you’re looking for something more dynamic than traditional home gym ideas.
If you’re wondering how to get fit in a way that feels like play, indoor climbing walls are the answer. Whether you’re scaling for fun or pushing your limits, this is one type of exercise that guarantees a good time while building strength, endurance, and confidence. So, grab your chalk, lace up those climbing shoes, and get ready to conquer the wall!
ParkRun: The Social Way to Stay Fit
Calories Burned: 300–500 per 5k run (legs, core, and cardio)
If you’re looking for workout ideas that are fun, free, and social, ParkRun is the perfect solution. These weekly, 5k community runs take place in parks across the UK, offering a supportive and welcoming environment for runners of all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned sprinter or just starting your fitness journey, ParkRun is a fantastic way to burn calories, improve your cardio, and connect with others.
Running a 5k burns between 300–500 calories depending on your pace, and the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a good pair of running shoes and a willingness to give it a go.
Why ParkRun is Perfect for Fitness
- Inclusive for All Levels: Whether you’re running, jogging, or walking, ParkRun encourages participation at any pace.
- Boosts Motivation: Running alongside others creates a sense of community and accountability that makes sticking to your fitness goals easier.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health: Regular participation strengthens your heart, increases lung capacity, and improves endurance, all while burning calories.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of ParkRun
- Prepare Ahead: Check out the ParkRun UK website to find an event near you and register for free.
- Set Personal Goals: Whether it’s completing your first 5k or shaving a minute off your time, having a goal keeps you focused.
- Bring Friends or Family: Running with loved ones turns fitness into a bonding experience, and a little friendly competition never hurts!
Why It’s More Than Just Running
ParkRun isn’t just about fitness, it’s a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, meet new people, and feel part of a community. The energy and encouragement from other runners and volunteers make every run a positive experience.
If you’re searching for how to get fit in a way that’s both effective and enjoyable, ParkRun ticks all the boxes. It’s one of the best types of exercise for improving cardio while having fun and staying motivated. So lace up those trainers, head to your local park, and discover why so many people rave about ParkRun. It’s fitness with a side of feel-good vibes!
Making Fitness Fun in 2025
Fitness doesn’t have to mean dull routines or slogging it out in a high-tech home gym. With so many quirky workout ideas and engaging types of exercise, staying active can be as fun as it is effective. From group activities like bowling and laser tag at Tenpin to personal challenges like paddle boarding and indoor climbing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What’s more, the little things, dancing while you clean, climbing stairs, or walking with friends, can make a big difference in your overall health. These creative hacks and activities prove that exercise can fit into your life effortlessly, whether it’s at home, outdoors, or at a Tenpin location near you.
Ready to get started? Explore Tenpin’s activities and make fitness the most exciting part of your week.