How To Have Fun While Getting In Shape

Does the thought of getting in shape instantly make you think of countless hours in the gym, sweating up a storm, and icing injured muscles? With the amount of discomfort that may result from a hard workout, it’s no wonder people are reluctant to get fit. Fortunately, there are ways to have fun through exercise!

Hula Hoops

Hula hooping is a great way get in shape while still having fun. It truly is the all- in- one workout! Just half an hour of “hooping” can burn up to 230 calories, strengthen your abdominal muscles, and improve your coordination. Hooping causes nearly no impact on your joints, so if you can stand, you can hula hoop! The gentle movements of your hips serve as a relaxing stretch for your hip flexors and thigh muscles, and the muscle toning that results will leave you feeling satisfied.  Learning how to use a hula hoop can take a little practice, but a bit of dedication will have you using it like a pro in no time!

Jump Ropes

The sound of jump ropes hitting the concrete is certainly familiar to anyone who has ever been to elementary school. But, what many people don’t know is that this fun playground activity also has great benefits for your cardiovascular health!

Jumping rope is a medium-impact sport that increases agility while also toning your body to create lean muscle mass. Jump ropes are incredibly inexpensive and portable, making them perfect for busy adults. You can also carry out a diverse range of exercises with them, as seen in this YouTube video. However, the repeated motion of jumping rope can be hard on your joints, so if you’ve had knee problems in the past, it may be best to stay away.

Electronic Fitness Games

In the past ten years, exercise-focused video games have become popular. Games like WiiSports and Just Dance! are great for those who haven’t done much exercise in the past or are looking for a no-stress way to get fit. They do require quite a bit of money up front in order to buy the game and the console, but the long-term benefits they will have on your health will make it worth your while!

TV Fitness Challenges

A quick search on Pinterest or Google will easily reveal hundreds of exercise games that you can play while watching your favorite TV show. Simple calisthenic exercises, such as twenty-five jumping jacks each time a character says one of their catch lines, make exercising seem easy, fun, and approachable to people at all fitness levels.

Working out doesn’t have to be hard work. In fact, it can be pretty fun! If you are mindful about moving your body in a safe and exciting way, getting in shape could be one of the best things you’ll ever do!