Despite how you might feel about it, exercise doesn’t have to be a four-letter word. The problem is that for most of us, exercise is associated with being in a crowded and sweaty gym, or running loops around the neighbourhood in unpleasant weather. There is no denying that there are health benefits from regular exercise, and health insurance companies don’t hide the fact that they offer lower rates to healthy individuals. If you are active, you can shop around for a policy that rewards the hours each week you spend keeping in shape. With these fun suggestions for exercise, those hours no longer have to be a chore. Instead, they can be fun, sociable, and even exciting.
Zumba: Dance The Pounds Away
If you spend your Saturday nights dancing at nightclubs, you probably already know how great a workout it can actually be. Of course, hitting the clubs on a regular basis is probably not feasible for most of us. Thankfully, there’s a daytime alternative: Zumba, a high-energy dance class that burns anywhere from 500 to 1,000 calories during an hour-long session. You will watch your instructor demonstrate choreography to popular songs, and you and your friends can follow along. You will burn calories, but it won’t feel like work. The loud music, fun atmosphere, and funky outfits of your fellow dancers will give the workout a nightclub feel that is far removed from your normal gym experience.
Bikram Yoga: Clear Your Mind and Whittle Your Waist
If you walked into a yoga studio with temperatures of 45 degrees, you might think the air conditioning was broken. For Bikram yoga classes, however, that temperature is standard. The classes are typically 90 minutes, and you run through a range of different postures and positions very slowly. Since it is so warm, you will definitely sweat a lot, but you won’t be jumping around or doing damage to your joints. Many Bikram yoga lovers claim that regular sessions give them mental clarity, greater flexibility, and the ability to easily maintain their weight.
Adult Basketball League: Fun With Friends
If it’s the solitary aspect of exercise that prevents you from incorporating workouts into your daily life, then you might want to look into adult sports leagues. These teams are often non-competitive, which means that you don’t have to worry about being an expert before joining. Find a team where both men and women are welcome, because these typically have the most laid-back atmosphere. Whether you are playing basketball, football or netball, you will be able to get in a great workout several times a week. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to socialise and meet new people, and having teammates relying on you means that you are less likely to skip games or practices.
Exer-Gaming: Get Fit in Front of the Telly
If you think that spending time playing video games and spending time exercising are mutually exclusive activities, think again. Thanks to the rise in exercise-based video games compatible with consoles like the Wii and the Xbox 360, you can burn a ton of calories right from your living room. Follow the workout of your favourite athlete by doing squats in front of the screen, or join in a dancing competition with loud music playing from your speakers. This is a fun way to branch out from your normal workout routine and try something fun from the comfort of your home.
Hula Hooping: Making Playtime Fun Again
Hula hoop toys provide plenty of fun for younger children, but they can also lead the way to some serious calorie burn for adults. Every 10 minutes that you spend using a hula hoop burns approximately 100 calories, and it tones the muscles of your midsection at the same time. You can buy weighted hoops for a more serious workout, and you can even join in with hula hoop classes in most major cities.
If you hate exercise, you won’t make it a regular part of your schedule. Skip the boring treadmill walks and shake things up with different forms of exercise that can be a lot more fun. Hula hoop classes, adult sports leagues, Bikram yoga, Zumba dance classes, and exercise video games may spice up your exercise routine and help you to genuinely love giving your body a workout.
So, what types of exercise have you tried and liked?
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Comments
Fun Ways to Exercise (Who Would’ve Thought?) — 24 Comments
You have shared some really good ways for excersising, personally I do a bit of dancing and yoga to maintain my figure. Interesting post!
I keep hearing about Zumba but have never tried it. Right now I’ve mostly been walking with my kids or pulling them in a wagon. I love exercising outdoors!
It seems that the more people are involved in an activity, the more chance I’ll do it. Working out with a buddy is way more motivating than just yourself (which I find nearly impossible), and a class or team sport is even better.
We are hikers- and I like to indoor rock climb. So fun! It can be expensive, but not as expensive as being unhealthy and overweight can be in the long run!
I’d like to join a volleyball league, but I can never find one around here. Plus there is a tiny chance I would jump up and when I landed, every bone in my body would explode.
Just don’t jump. Start slow. Look for a recreation league in your area through your local sports association. There is bound to be some info somewhere.
a friend of mine recently started playing adult kickball. I only wish we had an adult league here. It sounds like so much fun (and reminds me of 3rd grade gym class).
Don’t forget about yard work! The best way to get buff is to get an ax and split some wood, or break up some concrete with a sledge hammer. If you’re any good, then ping pong can actually be a workout. My brother and I really get into it, and by the time we’re done, we are sweating and out of breath, even though I am in shape. Anything other than sitting on the couch can potentially become exercise.
Despite how you might feel about it, exercise doesn’t have to be a four-letter word. The problem is that for most of us, exercise is associated with being in a crowded and sweaty gym, or running loops around the neighbourhood in unpleasant weather. There is no denying that there are health benefits from regular exercise, and health insurance companies don’t hide the fact that they offer lower rates to healthy individuals. If you are active, you can shop around for a policy that rewards the hours each week you spend keeping in shape. With these fun suggestions for exercise, those hours no longer have to be a chore. Instead, they can be fun, sociable, and even exciting.
You have shared some really good ways for excersising, personally I do a bit of dancing and yoga to maintain my figure. Interesting post!
I have wanted to try cardio dance. I haven’t done it yet though. I love zumba. Glad you have found benefits.
I keep hearing about Zumba but have never tried it. Right now I’ve mostly been walking with my kids or pulling them in a wagon. I love exercising outdoors!
Walking is still great. People often underestimate the benefits. I started zumba this year and love it. It is so much fun.
It seems that the more people are involved in an activity, the more chance I’ll do it. Working out with a buddy is way more motivating than just yourself (which I find nearly impossible), and a class or team sport is even better.
Exactly. My hubby and I work out together and motivate each other. It works great for keeping on track.
I love my “Just Dance” for the Kinect. Great work out and tons of fun!
I want to try that. Haven’t had a chance to yet. I don’t have a kinect so I will be relying on a friend who has one.
We are hikers- and I like to indoor rock climb. So fun! It can be expensive, but not as expensive as being unhealthy and overweight can be in the long run!
We hike a lot in the summer. We often camp and then get a few hikes in. It is a great way to get outside and exercise without spending any money.
I heard that Zumba is one good way to lose weight and the steps are not that difficult to learn. I’ll probably try it one of these days.
You should. I tried it this year and quickly fell in love with it. And no, the steps aren’t hard to learn and there are different levels of classes.
I have the best luck with just a plain ol’ stair stepper. 🙂 I need to get in, get done, and get OUT!
I have used those at the gym. They are great for cardio vascular health.
I walk and bicycle a lot. Twice for 90 minutes every weekend and 7 times a week during the summer and vacations.
Good for you. Minimum 30 minutes a day of exercise is best. You have that beat. Good for you!
I love running, but Zumba is something I have wanted to try:)
I used to run but got too many repetitive stress injuries. I love zumba though. It is so unwinding and fun.
I’d like to join a volleyball league, but I can never find one around here. Plus there is a tiny chance I would jump up and when I landed, every bone in my body would explode.
Just don’t jump. Start slow. Look for a recreation league in your area through your local sports association. There is bound to be some info somewhere.
Along the same lines as the adult basketball, I enjoy playing softball. When I’m looking for more serious cardio its off to the tennis court.
Tennis is tough. I have always wanted to learn. I will have to take lessons someday.
a friend of mine recently started playing adult kickball. I only wish we had an adult league here. It sounds like so much fun (and reminds me of 3rd grade gym class).
Don’t forget about yard work! The best way to get buff is to get an ax and split some wood, or break up some concrete with a sledge hammer. If you’re any good, then ping pong can actually be a workout. My brother and I really get into it, and by the time we’re done, we are sweating and out of breath, even though I am in shape. Anything other than sitting on the couch can potentially become exercise.