10 Exciting Ways To Exercise That Are Actually Enjoyable
Let’s face it, working out isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to do. Doing the same exercises over and over again eventually gets dull. Fortunately, there are many fun workouts you can do to get in shape. Here are 10 exciting ways to exercise that are actually enjoyable.
1. Dodgeball
There is a reason why many of us played dodgeball in PE class growing up. Believe it or not, Dodgeball is great for cardio, agility, improving balance, and much more. According to healthfitnessrevolution.com, the average 155-pound person can burn around 185 calories in a 30 minute game of Dodgeball.
Dodgeball has also proven to help hand-eye coordination and develop fast reflexes. All that ducking and dodging while keeping track of the balls in play is more beneficial than you might think. Who knew this favorite (or least favorite) childhood game was so good for you.
2. Rock Climbing
Many people think rock climbing only works out the upper body. While this is true, rock climbing also strengthens most of your body’s muscles. Lower body, core, and mental strength are all being worked while you rock climb. It is a full-body exercise as well as a great cardio workout. Studies have shown that the energy used in rock climbing is similar to running an 8 to 11-minute mile.
Rock Climbing is also a great exercise to increases flexibility. All the reaching and stretching increases a person’s range of motion. This also helps reduce injuries such as pulled and strained muscles. Being flexible is key in reaching those hard to reach rocks.
3. Skateboarding
While skateboarding mostly improves balance, it can also be a great lower body workout. The constant pushing and bending required in skateboarding build up your leg muscles and your endurance. Most professional skaters have a great vertical jump because of how strong their leg muscles are from years of skateboarding.
Coordination is also improved while you skate. Skateboarding requires you to use your eyes, legs, feet, and arms so learning what to do with what part of your body is very important if you want to become a good skater.
4. Dancing
If you are looking for a fun way to exercise that doesn’t require any equipment look no further than dancing. It is a great cardiovascular workout that melts off the calories. Dancing can be just as good for you as jogging or cycling. It tones your muscles while building up your endurance. It’s a great way to exercise without knowing you are actually exercising.
Another great thing about dancing is the many different styles and forms you can choose from. Whether it be ballet, jazz, ballroom, or even slam dancing, there is something for everyone. This is why people of all ages enjoy letting loose on the dance floor in order to kick those calories to the curb.
5. Hiking
If you are a lover of nature and the outdoors than hiking might be the fun workout you have been searching for. Hiking is a great way to strengthen your leg muscles, improve cardiovascular functions, loose weight, and improver your overall wellbeing.
The average person burns around 500 calories an hour from hiking. It has also been proven that Hiking can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress. It is amazing how much you can improve your physical and mental health just by going out and taking a hike.
6. Mountain Biking
Just like hiking, mountain biking is a great way to explore nature while getting a fun workout in. Mountain biking is a total body workout and is especially good for building up your leg muscles. Your back, arms, legs, and core are all being worked as you peddle up a mountain or hill.
Just like cycling, mountain biking is also a great way to burn calories and lose fat. It helps build up cardio and improves balance as well as coordination. It is a great way to destress and enjoy yourself after a long day at the office.
7. Martial Arts
Martial arts is one of the best ways to get fit and have a good time while doing it. It is a total body workout that burns more calories than most well-known workout routines. It has shown to drastically improve cardiovascular health, endurance, strength, and reflexes. I myself lost almost 100 pounds in 2 years from doing MMA and boxing 3-4 times a week.
With the popularity of the UFC in recent years, there are more martial arts schools and gyms than ever before. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muai thai, wrestling, and taekwondo are just a few martial arts that are perfect for getting into shape.
8. Skiing
Skiing is another fun workout that most people don’t view as an exercise. The majority of the time you are skiing you are in a squat position which helps strengthen your lower body muscles and joints. It is also proven that skiing works out your core since you are constantly balancing yourself while flying down the slope.
Muscle strength is not the only thing skiing improves. Since skiing is an aerobic exercise, cardio can be increased, especially in high altitude areas.
9. Rowing
Rowing is known to be one of the more calming sports but that doesn’t mean it is not an awesome way to get in shape. It is both a strength-building exercise and a high cardio workout. The motion of rowing builds up both the upper and lower body muscles while improving respiratory function.
Rowing is also a low impact exercise which means you won’t suffer from joint problems some runners are known to develop. If you don’t want to do a hardcore rowing routine, just going out on a paddleboat or canoe can still be beneficial to your health.
10. Ice skating
The most obvious benefit of ice skating is balance but it actually improves much more than just that. The pumping of the legs you do in order to move on the ice has shown to build leg muscles and improve endurance. All the jumps and tricks you see professional ice skaters do requires a great amount of lower body strength to pull off.
Ice skating is also a fun way to keep off the calories. You can burn off anywhere from 300 to 650 calories per hour. The pumping mentioned earlier just burns the calories away while also giving you a fun cardio workout.
