Staying active is essential for maintaining good health, but not everyone enjoys hitting the gym or following a strict workout routine. The good news is that exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By exploring alternative ways to stay active, you can find enjoyable and effective ways to maintain movement in your daily life. Fitness trainer Marcelle D’Souza lists eight creative options to help you get moving and make exercise a fun part of your routine.
Dance it out
Why it works: Dancing is a full-body workout that doesn't feel like exercise because it’s so much fun. Whether it’s hip-hop, salsa, or just freestyling to your favourite tunes, dancing improves cardiovascular health, enhances coordination, and boosts your mood.
How to start: You can join a dance class at a local studio, follow along with online tutorials, or simply dance at home. Popular options include Zumba, hip-hop classes, or even ballroom dancing.
Outdoor adventures
Why it works: Being in nature can make physical activity more enjoyable. Hiking, kayaking, and cycling are excellent ways to explore new areas, enjoy beautiful scenery, and breathe fresh air, all while getting a solid workout.
How to start: Look for local trails, parks, or nature reserves where you can hike or bike. If you’re near water, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Even a walk on the beach or in a forest can have a significant impact.
Play sports
Why it works: Sports are a great way to exercise without feeling like a workout. The competitive aspect, combined with the social interaction, can make it more engaging and less routine.
How to start: Join a local sports league or find a group of friends to play with. Sports like tennis, soccer, basketball, or even casual games like frisbee or badminton are all excellent options.
Active hobbies
Why it works: Hobbies that require physical activity, like gardening or rock climbing, keep you moving without the need for a structured workout. These activities can be just as beneficial for your health.
How to start: If you enjoy gardening, focus on tasks that require movement, like planting, digging, or weeding. For more adventurous hobbies, look for local climbing gyms or outdoor spaces that allow you to stay active while doing something you love.
Fitness games
Why it works: Fitness-orientated video games can turn exercise into a fun and interactive experience. They can provide a great cardio workout while you’re immersed in gameplay.
How to start: Invest in a gaming console with active games or VR systems that offer fitness games.
Also see | Is excessive screen time burning your eyes? Here are 10 home remedies for instant relief
Take the scenic route
Why it works: Including more movement into your daily routine helps you stay active without setting aside special time for exercise. Walking or biking instead of driving, taking the stairs, or parking farther away can all add up to significant health benefits.
How to start: Begin by identifying opportunities to walk or bike in your daily life, like commuting to work or running errands. Take scenic routes that make the experience more enjoyable, like walking through a park or along a river.
Group classes or social workouts
Why it works: Group workouts provide a social aspect that can make exercising more enjoyable. The energy from the group and the motivation from an instructor can make you forget that you’re working out.
How to start: Look for group fitness classes in your area that offer something you enjoy, whether it’s Zumba, aerial yoga, or trampoline workouts. Many gyms and fitness studios offer a variety of classes that cater to different interests and fitness levels.
Short and sweet sessions
Why it works: Short bursts of exercise can be just as effective as longer sessions. Breaking your workout into smaller chunks throughout the day makes it more manageable and less daunting.
How to start: Try setting aside 10 minutes a few times a day for a quick workout. This could be a mini-circuit of bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, and jumping jacks, or even just 10 minutes of dancing or jumping rope.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
