Regular physical activity programs ideally consist of a balance of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises. But this is not always realistic or appealing. If the sight of those words makes you want to lie down or cringe and hide, then you need to find other fun ways to exercise and get your body moving. All those types of regimes can be found elsewhere and it can be fun.
Try Something New
Exercise does not strictly have to be in the gym or on the yoga mat. There are so many other options of exciting forms of movement that get you fit and motivated. Most people don’t realise how beneficial other forms of non-formal exercise can be. Horseback riding is just one example. This is an exercise of moderate intensity that works important core muscles in the abs, back, pelvis and thighs. It has a positive physical and emotional impact in that you are outdoors enjoying nature while bonding with your four-legged friend.
Think back to your youth (or your parent’s younger days). Roller skating was the in-thing even though it is now seen as retro and funky. Roller skating, according to studies, delivers a complete aerobic workout that engages all of the body’s muscles, particularly the heart. Roller skating is comparable to jogging in terms of health advantages. So get yourself a pair of the best roller skates you can afford, as well as a helmet and knee and elbow guards, and let the wind whistle through your hair. Get the whole family involved for a fun social way to exercise.
Dance Away Your Calories
Dance is known to raise your heart rate and challenge your coordination. There are various types and genres of dance to appeal to everyone. Ballroom, line dancing, salsa, hip hop, African and tap are just a few options you could investigate. Between 130 and 250 calories are burned in a 30-minute dance class. Some types of dance do not even require a partner. Belly dancing is a terrific kind of cardiovascular exercise that releases natural endorphins into the body and boosts the mind, giving the dancer a workout high.
Alternatively, put the music up loud in your living room and have a dance party for one. This is an excellent way to get the body moving and put you in a good mood. Some people even dance around while doing household chores.
Hiking and Geocaching
Hiking is another great exercise regime to take part in and the whole family can be involved. This can range from gentle walks in nature to steep, rocky climbs that may require a little extra skill. An extension to hiking can be treasure hunting in the twenty-first century: geocaching. This is an adventurous sport that uses a GPS to find the hidden cache. Get together a group of family and friends and let the adventures begin. Getting to the cache is half the fun and this is where the exercise part comes in. Games like Pokémon GO are a form of geocaching and can be very popular with teens and youngsters alike.
There are so many other options worth looking into when thinking of other ways to get your blood pumping. Trampolining or rebounding, gardening, kayaking, bike riding and even playing Frisbee or catch are all great forms of fun exercise.
