Exercise doesn’t have to be unpleasant to be effective. Consider these ten creative ways to exercise while having fun.
Walking
Walking is a simple but effective way to stay fit. When you park your car, park at the end of the row instead of next to the door. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs. Methods like this help squeeze a little extra exercise into a busy day. If you have pets who needs exercise as well, take them for a walk. Keeping your pets healthy will also keep you healthy.
Cleaning
Like exercise, many people don’t have time to clean, but still need to get it done. By remembering that cleaning can help you stay healthy, you can accomplish two things in the time it takes to do one! Not only does cleaning rid your house of dust and other allergens, but cleaning involves walking around, lifting things, scrubbing hard, and a little flexibility. By cleaning, you can both maintain your house, and your health.
Play a Musical Instrument
Playing a violin for an hour burns the same amount of calories as a moderate walk of the same length. An engaged brain can burn calories just like any other muscle in your body. With the huge variety of instruments, you are sure to find one that works well for you. Enjoy staying healthy while simultaneously developing new talents.
Hiking
Grab friends or family and go for a hike! Getting outside not only gives you vitamins from the sun that your body needs, but sunlight helps fight depression. Find a location near you and hike along trails, up hills, or along a lake.
Dance
Dancing is often overlooked as a sport, but anyone who has done it can tell you that all of that twisting, dipping, and spinning takes a lot of work and gets your heart pumping! Dance is a great way to stay fit because there are so many different varieties of dance that you’re certain to find one to fit your preferences. Also, dance is a social sport which can help you stress less and stay healthier.
Marital Arts
Like dance, martial arts comes in a variety of styles so that you can pick the one that most interests you. Martial arts not only builds your flexibility and physical strength, but it also builds self-esteem.
Fencing
Learning to fight with a sword also builds self-confidence, and those intense sparring bouts are a great cardiovascular work out! Also, in the same way music engages your brain, the focus and precision necessary to outwit your opponent engages your mind, meaning you can exercise your mind while conditioning your body.
Rock Climbing
This can be done in the great outdoors or at facilities. Work out your arms, back, forearms and legs all while having fun scaling a monolith. Most rock climbing facilities have graded levels, so that you can start small and work your way up, both in challenges, and fitness.
Play Active Video Games
If you love to unwind with some video games, try for one that helps your mind relax but keeps your body engaged. Wii Fit or Dance Dance Revolution or other active games can be as effective as a walk around the block. Don’t have active games? Try standing while playing instead. Sitting for long periods of time can be unhealthy.
Exercise with a Friend
If you enjoy the common exercises of sit ups and jumping jacks but are looking for a way to get more out of your exercise, try challenging a friend. Competing and seeing who can do the most push ups helps you both stay fit and have fun.
Exercise doesn’t have to be painful. Find the method that works best for you, and have fun!