One
thing that I have found, is that most people have a hard time getting motivated
to workout because they feel that it's boring or that it's a chore. It's hard
to find motivation to do much of anything unless you either feel a
responsibility towards it or you feel an excitement about it. When I leave work
at night, I am exhausted and the idea of going to the gym or going for a run,
doesn't often sound like a good idea. I know a lot of others share this same
problem.
One
thing that will help us all get some motivation to keep ourselves in shape is
to start finding activities that we enjoy doing, but are also a workout. For
example, I like to swing dance, Ski and I have always been interested in
Martial Arts. These are all things that are enjoyable and exciting to me and
also a workout. When I think about doing any of these things my eyes light up with
excitement and I am more than ready to go to any of these activities even after
a long, hard day of work. I dance at least once a week. I try to ski as often
as possible and I do Martial Arts once to twice a week. In doing these
activities on a regular basis, I am able to stay in shape.
If
you are interested in any of the activities I have listed, here are a few links
to get you started.
These
are links for the Twin Cities only. If you do not live in the Twin Cities, I
suggest you do a web search for which ever dance or martial art you are
interested in your area. I've found it easier if you say which art and which
city you wish it to be in. You'll have the most luck this way.
Here
is a list of other Options for fun activities that give you a workout;
*
Padded Weapon Fighting (there are many groups that get together and fight with
padded weapons, they also play games like 'Capture the Flag' and 'tag'. It's a
lot of fun and a great workout.)
*Ballroom
Dancing (Ballroom dancing is popular everywhere, I would not be at all
surprised if there was a studio close to you that teaches Ballroom dancing or
something similar. A great couples workout, but you often don' t need a partner
to go to a class.)
*Dancing
Aerobics (If you enjoy Dancing you will also enjoy dancing aerobics or hip hop
aerobics, adding rhythm and dance moves to a workout can really make it more
exciting and even make it feel like you are not even working out at all.
*Wii
Fit (If you own a Wii Fit, it is a fun way to get a quick workout in and there
are also several options. If there is a day where I need to work out, but can't
make it to class for some reason, I will jump onto my Wii fit and do a few
workouts. It's definitely better than nothing, and you can work up a good sweat
and even be sore from doing it! My favorite Wii fit game is Boxing.)
*Casual
Wrestling (Grab a friend, significant other, or relative and have a good
wrestling match. Set your own rules and just start going at it. Set a timer and
wrestle until the timer goes off. Once it does set new rules and start again.
It is a good workout and it can be a lot of fun. If done correctly it can also
teach you to defend yourself better. Just make sure you set rules so that
neither of you get hurt.)
*Cross
Country Skiing (Although this can be a bit spendy, there are several parks that
have good deals for ski rentals and if you already have skis, there are several
of parks that are free of charge. It's definitely a great workout for your whole
body. If you enjoy this sport, start doing it 2-3 times a week and keep it up.
This will get you in shape fast!)
*Practice
Weapon Techniques (You only have to learn a few weapon strikes and techniques
for this one, and then invest in or create your own wooden weapon. If you
practice each technique like they are reps, this is a great workout for your
entire body and will also further you in your fighting techniques. This is
something that I would like to start doing for myself!)
*Floor
exercises while watching TV(If you are a bit of a couch potato, this is a good
one for you. It may not get your heart pumping, but it's free! Just get off the
couch for a half hour to an hour of your nightly TV time and do some situps,
stretches, push ups, leg lifts, lunges etc. You'd be surprised how many reps
you can do without even noticing you're doing them when you are caught up in
your favorite TV show!)
*Hiking(Depending
on where you live, hiking can be a rewarding and beautiful experience.) I live
in Minnesota and there are some wonderful hiking opportunities here. I also
loved hiking when I visited Portland, Oregon. If you enjoy lovely scenery, find
a park, garden, or large zoo to go hiking in. It's fun, rewarding and a good
work out.
*Rock
Climbing(We don't have many real opportunities for rock climbing in Minnesota,
but depending on where you live, this can be a great and adventurous option. If
you are like me and live in a place that doesn't have a lot of rocks to climb,
I would suggest joining a gym that has a climbing wall, or getting a membership
to a rock climbing wall.)
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