If you come to the gym three times a week, you get the necessary weekly exercise experts recommend. Does that mean you don't have to do anything active when you're not working out? Creating a habit of working out at the same time each day can improve your chances of sticking with a program. On the days away from the gym, staying active and improving your fitness helps you maintain that schedule. It doesn't have to be traditional exercise. It can be something fun like bike riding or basketball.
Rock climbing, hiking, and biking get you closer to nature.
It takes a lot of upper-body strength, flexibility, and balance to do rock climbing. It's best to learn how to do it before trying it alone. Top-roping and bouldering are two types of rock climbing that beginners can do. You can do them indoors or outdoors. Hiking and biking are perfect activities to do with the kids. Get a mountain or trail bike for more rugged terrain and a huge test of your strength and endurance.
Turn on the music and dance or take a dance class.
Dancing fast will provide a good workout, as will ballroom dancing and ballet. All types of dances provide flexibility, endurance, and some strength training. You don't have to reserve dancing for your appointment time with exercise. Take a walk at that time to maintain the habit and go dancing at night. Dance classes can help you feel more comfortable when the band starts playing or can add variety to your normal routine. You can even take a dance class with your children.
Swimming is one of the best exercises for building strength, improving flexibility, and boosting cardio.
Swimming is low-impact and won't damage joints. Water is denser than air, so there's more resistance when you move. That increases the calories you burn and builds muscle tissue faster without exacerbating joint pain. Exercising in the water adds a new dimension to the workout. You can even play water games and have swimming competitions.
- Adopt a healthy sport or hobby. Basketball, racquetball, or tennis are active sports that keep you moving. Golf is another option you can adjust to your fitness level. You get the most exercise by walking and carrying clubs.
- Create challenges with inexpensive hula hoops. Get everyone in the family hula hoops and create competitions and challenges. If your neighbors are also looking for fitness ideas, make neighborhood challenges.
- If walking is your favorite activity, make the walk more challenging and beneficial. Alternate the intensity by walking at peak intensity first and then switching to a recovery pace and back to peak intensity.
- Take a self-defense class or learn martial arts. You'll be surprised at how physically demanding those classes can be. You'll improve your health and safety.
For more information, contact us today at Habitat Health & Fitness
