Working Out Without Actually Working Out
Working out and exercising doesn’t always mean going to the gym for an hour of running or weightlifting. Let’s face it; going to the gym can be a hassle. Sometimes you would rather skip the gym for some other activity. The glory of fitness is the fithappens everywhere. You just have to find the thing that is both fun for you and gives you a quality workout. Stay in shape everywhere you go with the various activities below.
Winter Workouts
There are plenty of workouts that you can do in the winter check them out at http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/tips/winter-fitness-workout-tips/. Specifically during the holiday season, you can increase your activity level by simply changing one or two things. One of the simplest forms of exercise is walking. You can increase how much you walk when you go shopping for holiday presents. Simply park your car towards the back of the parking lot. This is a minor change but it can add hundreds of steps to your daily step count. Continue this trend by adding an extra lap around the mall before you leave. If you are not shopping at a mall, then just walk around the perimeter of the inside of every store you visit before leaving. These small additions will lead to hundreds of more steps a day, and that will really improve your fitness in the long run.
Working Out or Hanging Out? Why not both!
As mentioned before, working out and exercising does not always involve going to the gym or running on a treadmill. There are plenty of ways to hang out while working out
Hiking with friends
When you are with friends laughing, talking, and enjoying the fine scenery nature has to offer, you tend to forget how much time has passed or how far you have traveled. That is the beauty of hiking. Before you know it, you will have hiked miles depending on the trail. The workout is great for your leg muscles and building up cardio. If you decide to carry a backpack, you will build up your shoulder and back muscles, too! Make sure you bring a snack and some water because this is a tremendous calorie burn.
Dancing
Everyone loves music. Turn on your favorite party playlist and get your body moving! It doesn’t matter how you look as long as you are moving and having fun. A serious sweat dance can burn up to 450 calories every hour. What’s better than getting fit while having fun?
Roughhousing with the kids
This one is for a select group of people, but maybe you have younger cousins or siblings if you don’t have kids of your own. Kids seem to always have energy and they are always ready to play, so join them! Nothing brings families together better than a friendly wrestling match. Just make sure not to hurt anyone.
Do that thing that couples do
Consensually of course 😉
Parkour/Climb things
You would be surprised at how much of a workout it is to jump over rocks, balance on curbs and climb up trees. It may sound a little childish, but it is good to let your inner child out once in a while. So go into your local woods with some friends and see who can climb the highest tree or balance on a log for the longest. Establish those core climbing muscles and improve your balance.
Change the way you play video games
Video games are usually the enemy of fitness, but there are ways you can have the best of both worlds. Play your video game the usual way but instead of sitting on the couch or in a gaming chair, stand up while playing or sit on a yoga ball. This won’t burn many calories, but you’ll get more out of it than you would if you just sat in your usual chair!
Play a musical instrument
It is a fact that playing the violin for an hour burns as many calories as walking at a moderate pace for an hour. Which sounds better? Creating beautiful music or walking nonstop for an hour? Have some fun with your exercise!
Play a childhood game
Gather your friends and channel your inner child again. Throw it back to the good ole days of being a little kid with a game of kickball, kick the can, or tag. Instead of sitting around talking with your friends, go throw a ball around and be active. You would be surprised how much fun it is to play kid games as an adult.
Join a Rec League
Playing your favorite sports is the best way to exercise while having fun. Cardio improvement, muscle enhancement, and coordination are all improved when you join a rec league. The best part about this one is that George Mason offers these types of leagues all year long!
Make a few simple changes to your day
There are multiple ways of getting extra exercise every day without you necessarily noticing. All you have to do is make a conscious effort in the beginning to change a few things, and then these changes will become habit. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or ramps. Take the long walk to class or work. There is a form of exercise called NEAT, non-exercise activity thermogenesis, and regular movements like the ones mentioned can burn a lot of extra calories at a time.
Exercising does not have to be a chore. Going to the gym, albeit a great way to get a workout in, is not the only way to workout and exercise. There are ways to exercise throughout your daily life without necessarily realizing it. Be fit by having fun and enjoying your life. Do the things you do, just do them with a little twist to get an easy yet efficient workout going. Go out there and workout without actually working out.
By: Dan Ward