Ah, exercise. That shadow looming in our distant future. Maybe you have a marathon for which you’re training. Maybe you’re trying to lose some weight, or you want to get your weekly dose of cardio. Whether it’s running outdoors or on a treadmill, or using any other workout equipment, we tend to associate exercise with pain. We drag our feet. We anticipate being sweaty and tired, feeling gross and miserable, and even finding ourselves bored. Exercise is something we do to take care of ourselves, but we seldom think of it as fun.
If this sad perception of exercise describes your experience, you could benefit from the suggestions in this article. It turns out that exercise doesn’t have to be all struggle or misery! Exercise can actually be fun. If you want some more pleasant ways to use your muscles and get your cardio, pick your fun from the following list.
Skiing
While you can’t do it year-round (unless you… live in Antarctica, or near an indoor skiing site), skiing is a great way to get exercise. Skiing can strengthen your bones, build your abs, and help keep your legs and upper body in shape. When you’re zooming down the hills, you won’t even notice that you’re getting exercise. All you’ll notice is that rushing thrill.
Dancing
A dance class is a near-perfect way to get your exercise for fun. A dance class will help you unleash some of that inner creativity and self expression, all while toning your muscles and getting your heart rate up. Plus, learning a new skill can help you keep your brain in fine form. So, find an Irish, modern, or ballet class near you.
Surfing
With its lucrative time out in the waves and under the sun, there are few forms of exercise more fun than surfing. A good afternoon of surfing will help tone your muscles and improve your balance, and–as long as some swimming is involved–get you some good cardio. Of course, we all wish we could take surf lessons in Waikiki, HI, and maybe you can! However, no matter where you live, if there are waves nearby, trying grabbing a board for your weekly exercise.
Martial Arts
Great for your mind, your self esteem, and your body, a martial art, such as karate or taekwondo, could be just what you’re looking for. Taking a weekly martial arts class is a great way to relax, burn off steam, and have some social time, and it could be the perfect solution to your exercising needs.
Getting exercise can often feel like the most-dreaded task of our day. It doesn’t, however, have to be so much of a pain. When you combine learning, community, and the chance to improve to your workout routine, exercise can almost feel like a game. Rather than being a source of frustration, exercise can become a source of fun and enjoyment. You might find that a class was just what you needed to get your self-expression on, or your low self-esteem off. When it comes to taking care of your body, next time, go with something enjoyable.