Take up one of these exercises and getting fit won't be a chore
Let’s face it, many of us exercise* to stay healthy and slim, but keeping fit can be fun too. Introduce these exercises into your fitness schedule and you’ll improve your mood and reduce stress – and forget that you’re losing weight and getting fitter at the same time!
Rebounding – remember how you loved trampolining as a kid (or simply jumping up and down on your bed!)? Exercising on a mini trampoline called a rebounder is surprisingly good for you as well as fun – and you can do it while watching TV! It is said to stimulate the lymph, which keeps your immune system on top form, improve posture and reduce body fat by burning calories. Exercising on its sprung surface as opposed to a hard floor also reduces the likelihood of injury.
Dancing – even throwing some shapes in a club burns calories, but learning to dance is fun too. Why not try salsa (this burns 400 calories an hour) or ballroom dancing (this burns from 250-400 calories an hour depending on the pace). Many clubs run lessons for beginners and have social dancing afterwards so you can really make a night of it as well as get some exercise.
Rock climbing – this is a fun exercise which teaches you a new skill as well as burning around 700 calories an hour. Start by learning the skills at a climbing wall.
Geo-caching – this is treasure hunting for the 21st century. You log on to a geocaching site to choose a geocache (the ‘treasure’) you’d like to find and then head off on foot to look for it – you’ll forget you’re getting some exercise at the same time, and it’s suitable for all the family.
In-line skating – skating is a very efficient exercise, burning around 800 calories an hour and toning the bottom and legs. You can skate in parks and get some fresh air at the same time. If you have kids (or you’re just young at heart!), why not try a roller disco.
Circus fitness – try a circus exercise class near you, such as Jukari Fit to Flex or Jukari Fit to Fly created by Cirque du Soleil and Reebok – both offer great toning benefits and they’re fun too.
Team sports – taking up a team sport is a good way to meet new people while getting some exercise at the same time. Playing football can burn over 600 calories an hour, while an energetic game of tennis can see you burning as many as 700 calories an hour.
Cycling – this is an incredibly good exercise. Even cycling slowly can burn up to 600 calories and if you really work the pedals you could burn twice that. The fun factor is also about where you cycle – choose a river path or a track in the countryside, rather than busy urban streets.
*Always check with your GP before starting a new fitness regime.