Ditch the Gym: 6 Proven Ways to Get Fit at Home Without Equipment

The quick scan: Wednesday was like watching paint dry, but in a good way—markets barely budged as the Fed delivered exactly what everyone expected. After Tuesday's drama, investors seemed content to take a collective deep breath and wait for the next plot twist.

• S&P 500: Practically flat at 5,980.87, moving less than 2 points in either direction like a cat deciding whether to go outside
• Dow Jones: Slipped a modest 44 points (0.10%) to 42,171.66, proving that even blue chips can have boring days
• NASDAQ: Managed a tiny 0.13% gain, tech stocks showing just enough life to avoid being declared legally dead

What's driving it: The Federal Reserve held rates steady at 4.25%-4.5% as expected, with Chair Powell signaling they're in no rush to cut rates. Markets yawned collectively—sometimes no news really is good news.

Bottom line: After Tuesday's geopolitical jitters, Wednesday's calm felt like finding a parking spot right in front of the store. The Fed's steady-as-she-goes approach gave investors permission to relax, at least until the next crisis du jour arrives.

Ditch the Gym: 6 Ways to Get Fit Without Monthly Fees or Terrible Music

The scoop: A fitness writer who spent nearly two decades in gyms has finally cancelled his membership—and claims he might actually get fitter without it. After working for Men's Fitness magazine for 10 years, he noticed something interesting: people with the fewest resources were often in the best shape. Powerlifters in unheated concrete sheds got stronger than their fancy-gym counterparts, and basement exercisers showed focus rarely seen in palatial fitness centers.

His revelation? You don't need expensive equipment, monthly memberships, or even matching workout clothes to get fit. The key is combining cardio, strength, and mobility wherever feasible, buying minimal kit, and making fitness fit into your life rather than the other way around.

From "rucking" on the school run (walking with a weighted backpack) to doing pullups every time you let the dog out, his approach proves that the best gym might be the one you never have to drive to.

Actionable takeaways:

• Try the Norwegian protocol for cardio: Work out at high intensity for 4 minutes, then low intensity for 3 minutes, repeat 4 times—you're done in 30 minutes and only need to do it once a week.

• Master the fundamental movements: Focus on push, pull, squat, hinge, and carry exercises using just a kettlebell, dumbbells, or even a bag of books—two sets per body part per week is enough.

• "Grease the groove" throughout your day: Do 7-8 pullups (or wall pushups) every time you pass a certain spot, multiple times daily at manageable intensity—builds strength without sweat.

• Make your own sandbag: Fill sandwich bags with builder's sand, tape them shut, throw them in an old duffel bag—cheaper and more versatile than gym equipment.

• Turn errands into workouts: Carry heavy shopping bags, walk with a weighted backpack during school runs, take stairs instead of elevators—fitness doesn't need a designated time slot.