Having an interest or passion in an activity that keeps you fit is a great way to stay motivated for exercise. Even if you can only participate in the activity occasionally, the need to stay fit enough to participate in the activity provides motivation to exercise. For those of you that are interested in finding some fun ways to stay active or, for those looking for some new activities, there is a huge selection to choose from and below are just a few of those choices.
Some of these activities are group activities and some are activities you can do alone. You can choose depending on your personality and your interests. Not all of these activities are things you can do often, however, be open-minded and willing to try something new. You never know where you’ll find the perfect activity that will keep you interested and maybe even passionate about exercise.
1. Hiking-hiking is a great activity and can be as strenuous or relaxing as you want, but some hiking trails may not have a lot of traffic, so it’s always wise to go with a friend. Please visit trails.com for a suggestion of trails in your area.
2. Biking-there are many options when it comes to biking now. There are comfort bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, etc. Many cities have cycle shops which can provide advice on your best bike option and often provide bike rentals so you can try a few different styles of biking before making a decision. Some of these specialized shops also have organized group rides which would be a good opportunity to meet others with similar interests in being active.
3. Walking/Running-something simple you can do in your own neighborhood or in a local park, many of which now have marked paths. You can also use the local high school tracks when they aren’t in use by athletic teams. Tracks are approximately.25 miles around. Another option is to check with local high school cross country teams to find out about running trails in your area. To make your walking/running more interesting, you can sign up for a local 5k race. You don’t have to be a fast runner or even be a runner to join these races. There are many walkers that join these races and they have become very popular making it pretty easy to find a race almost anywhere. Your local YMCA is a good resource for information on local races or running/walking groups.
4. Golf-no, I’m not joking! Golf is actually a great activity as long as you aren’t riding in a cart. If you are walking and carrying your clubs, playing 18 holes of golf can burn 600 to 1200 calories depending on the length and terrain of the course.
5. Swimming-during the warmer months, swimming is another excellent exercise option. If you aren’t lucky enough to have your own pool, the public pools are often crowded during the day, but the evening is a good time to swim laps or use the resistance of the water to walk or run. The YMCA also has an indoor pool which is free with membership or $8.00 per use as a non-member.
6. Tennis-most areas have public tennis courts. You can generally find them either at local parks or local high schools.
7. Yoga/Pilates-there are several different types of classes ranging from classes that develop strength to classes that can help stretch out sore or over-worked muscles. Research the different types online to find a class that is right for you.
8. Team Sports-there are a variety of team sports for adults in most cities. Volleyball, basketball, softball and soccer are, generally, the most popular team sports for adults, but do a Google search for your area for other sports. You may be surprised what you find.
9. Canoeing/rafting/kayaking – If you live near a waterway any of these non-motorized activities provide a great workout, great scenery and can even be relaxing. Check for local outfitters that rent non-motorized watercraft as well as lessons and/or a guide to keep you safe.
There are many more fun, fit activities out there to try. By checking with local fitness centers or searching the internet for your area, you may just find the perfect one for you.
