While exercise may be good for you, it is not always fun. Do you remember the days when you hated going to the gym or running around the neighbourhood? Of course you do, these memories are hard to shake off.
However, just because you hate working out, it doesn’t mean you can’t move. Exercise is like any other skill that takes practice; the more you practice, the more comfortable you will be. And some exercises you do will help you to feel more comfortable while exercising.
Whether recovering from an injury or if you simply don’t want to work out, you may feel like there aren’t many options for staying fit. But exercise doesn’t have to be a workout. It can be any physical activity that increases your heart rate.
Here are ways to get your body moving without feeling like you’re on a treadmill.
Take advantage of the great outdoors
Despite what some people may believe, getting active does not have to involve spending hours a day doing physical activities. And for those of us who don’t like hitting the gym, outdoor exercise may be the perfect alternative to a regular jog on the treadmill. Some outdoor workouts are as easy as walking or running in a park-and in truth, that is a good starting point. If you choose walking, you don’t have to wear any special clothing in order to do this, just comfortable items that allow for adequate movement. If you already have a smart watch, this can really help you get motivated, as it it tracks your activity and can help you to achieve your goals. Plus, you can customize the strap to help you show off a little bit of your personality – these are amazing options that you could take a look at, if this is something you think you would like to do.
It doesn’t have to be a rigorous workout
When life feels like a daily struggle, finding the motivation to workout can be difficult. But you don’t have to love exercising to reap the benefits. Instead of spending hours on the treadmill or elliptical trainer, try some alternative exercises. For example, walking in the park with your pet will be fun because you are already exercising, plus you get to spend quality time with your furry friend.
Plenty of chores count as a killer workout
There are plenty of chores around the house that count as a workout. Clearing out the clutter, washing your car, and mowing your lawn are all great ways to get in some exercise. But did you know that cleaning up after yourself is actually one of the best workouts you can do? From sweeping crumbs off the kitchen floor to mopping the bathroom floor, tidying up after yourself is a great way to build muscle and get in shape. And here’s a bonus: you can also burn a lot of calories while doing that work.
Hit the pool
Swimming is a super fun way to get active without feeling like you’re doing a workout. To get started, make sure you have the basics like goggles, a swim cap, and a comfy swimsuit. If you’re new to swimming, consider taking classes to learn proper form rather than worrying about going fast. Set small goals for yourself, like swimming 10 laps without stopping, to gradually build up your stamina. And don’t forget to stay hydrated before and after your swim. If you have a pool at home, you can do some simple pool maintenance like skimming off leaves, checking chemical levels every week, and brushing the sides. This way, you can enjoy your exercise right in the comfort of your own backyard.
Dance it out
Are dancing workouts one of your guilty pleasures? While dancing certainly isn’t the only way to work out, it’s fun to move your body and burn a few calories. Cardio-based workouts such as Zumba and Zumba Toning burn a lot of calories and are great for toning and burning off fat.
Pop in a DVD
Exercise is one of the greatest things you can do for your health, but it’s not always easy to find the time. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways you can break a sweat without having to go to the gym. For instance, you could pop in a DVD of your favourite exercise show, take a brisk walk, or even ride a bike. You can burn calories and have fun all at the same time!
Try a self-defence class
Plenty of other fun ways to exercise can include taking a self-defence class, as this can help to keep you moving and healthy. It may even help you feel more confident when confronting an attacker. For example, kickboxing and boxing classes may offer the cardio workout you love. Taekwondo can also be a great way to stay active, as it involves a combination of physical and mental exercise. This sport can help you learn how to control your movements, and it requires a lot of discipline and practice. It is possible to learn this sport at a school for martial arts jacksonville fl (or a similar school in your area). These classes offer knowledge about self-defence and are a great alternative to workouts.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. But sometimes, it’s hard to start and stay motivated. Instead of just assuming that exercise is something you hate, take the time to learn why you hate it and what you can do about it.
