Julia Meeks http://ecornholeboards.com 3m 694
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Transform your workout routine with these simple tips.
With the prevalence of conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes in society, it is fairly plain to see: many people simply do not get nearly enough regular exercise.
For most, exercise is seen as more of a chore, when in truth exercise can and should be fun. If you are having trouble motivating yourself to get up off the couch, try these simple ways to make exercise less of an obligation and more of a leisure activity.
Play the Sports You Love
Rather than sitting inside and watching your favorite sports on TV, try grabbing a ball, going outside and actually playing with one of them.
Sports such as basketball and soccer will keep you consistently active and moving, which will keep your heart rate up. Even something as simple as getting your buddies together for a weekly game of backyard football or playing a one-on-one soccer match with your children is an excellent workout. If you are a golfer, try breaking out your clubs in the back yard and working on your swing.
Go For a Swim
Swimming employs every muscle group in your body and is one of the most intensive cardiovascular activities. It is also a low impact workout, making it great for all health and fitness levels. With spring just around the corner, there is literally no better way to get in shape quick and cool off at the same time than with a few laps around the pool.
If you are a little more adventurous, swimming is not the only water-based way to stay fit – kayaking and canoeing are both a great workout as well as a great way to get out and explore nature.
More Ideas for Outdoor Fun
While sports are a fabulous way of combining fun and fitness, there are plenty of other physical activities in which you can engage outside the realm of sports.
Play a game of Frisbee with friends (or with your pet). If frisbee is not your thing, try playing a couple rounds of cornhole (a game which involves tossing a bean bag through a hole in a wooden board).
Another excellent way to get some exercise while getting a bit further out into nature is to go for a hike (or an extended nature walk, if your home territory is not particularly hilly). Hiking affords you the opportunity to get out and get some fresh air as well as some solid exercise at the same time.
In addition, a hike is a great way to detach from the stress of the daily grind and experience the beauty of nature, even if just for a few hours.
Trade the Car Keys for the Handlebars
If you have a reasonable commute to work, why not leave the car in the garage and try biking instead? Even if it is only once or twice a week, consider riding your bike in place of the usual car ride.
If you are hesitant to ride to work or the nature of your job does not lend itself well to a bike commute, try applying the same idea to other destinations. Short trips for which you would normally go via car – running to the store to grab milk, visiting a friend in the neighborhood, etc. – are much healthier and more rewarding when they are made on bike.
Not only is biking great exercise, but you will also be saving you a good amount of money in fuel costs as well.
A workout should not be loathsome. There are plenty of ways to make your workout into your leisure activity. Just find some physical activities that you enjoy, engage in them regularly and before you know it, you will be a regular health nut.
Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phae/2823149634/sizes/o/
License: Creative Commons
About the Author
Julia Meeks is a physical fitness guru with a passion for transforming exercise into enjoyment. She recently fell in love with the game of Cornhole, collecting cornhole boards and bags and putting her former softball pitching skills to use while having fun in the process.
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