I don’t know about you, but if I don’t enjoy something I don’t want to do it. Sure, I like hitting the gym and getting an endorphin rush from running on the treadmill or the feeling my muscles bulge after some heavy lifting. But I can’t push it every day. So I found ways to have a good time while I get fit.
Here are few ideas to get your heart pumping while having fun.
1. Do Some Fun Runs (or Walks)
Ever heard of the Dirty Girl Mud Run? The Color Run? The Reindeer Run? How about the Monster Dash?
Check them out. These types of runs are held most everywhere in the country and they are a blast. Most of them aren’t timed as the big idea is to get out and active, not to win first place.
Psst … you don’t even need to run these runs. Start with walking if that’s your speed and work up to running the full distance a few races down the road.
Registration for most of these type of events range from $25 – $50 and proceeds go to a non-profit. In additional to your race number, which you get to pin on your shirt all official like, your registration packets usually include a race day t-shirt and a supply of free goodies like chocolate milk, bananas, yogurt, and coffee after the race. Sometimes even beer. Yes, some races include a post-party complete with beer, music, and hamburgers.
Oh, and did I mention that you can sign up as a team and make your own team t-shirts, run in a costume for Halloween runs, or just kind of dress weird and have your picture taken with your friends? Well, you can.
It’s also a great way to meet happy, active people who want to have fun and get fit, too.
2. Go Ice Skating
It’s not just for the winter months. Many cities around the country – even in the hottest of places – have ice skating rinks that are open year round. It’s a lot of fun and if you’re not too good on the skates, you’ll provide great entertainment for your friends and get an extra good workout from flexing extra muscles as you push yourself up from the ice each time you fall.
If you’re already really good, keep moving and get your heart pumping. If you like hockey, consider joining a local community league.
3. Take a Scenic Bike Ride
Odds are you live within a few miles of lake, ocean, mountain, or park trails. A bike ride is a great way to spend an afternoon. You won’t even know you’re exercising. Fall is a perfect time of year. It’s cooler and in many regions the leaves are turning colors, which can make for a breathtaking ride. No pun intended. And in the spring, as our bodies wake from the slow winter months, sometimes carrying a few extra pounds, it’s a great jumpstart to get your body in gear for all of those summer fun runs! In Minnesota, I’ve seen people riding their bike to work in the winter when it’s 13 degrees outside. Brrr. Dude, try a spin class and watch your screen saver or something.
Visit your local tourism or parks and recreation websites for trail information. Or just Google “bike trails + [your city]”. Just get moving.
4, Take Ballroom Dance Lessons
No really, hear me out.
I took tango lessons and loved it. I was surprised at how much it worked my arms as the instructor pushed against my palms to show me how we needed to “stay connected”. As he applied pressure I had to push back to follow his lead as he applied pressure, then eased away, holding my arms up the entire time. And then, we repeated each dance step over and over again. It’s a great release for the mind, too, to focus in on learning something new for an hour or two.
I took a workshop to learn Argentine Tango as well. It’s quite sexy, or aggressive, depending upon who your partner is. In this version of the Tango, the female leans into her partner at about a 45 degree angle. If you’re not a dancer and don’t know you’re partner well, it can be awkward. And if you’re the tallest girl in class and they bring you into the center circle to show a short guy how to “stay connected” while dancing with a tall girl while the instructor keeps telling you “you’re tall and beautiful, stand tall, you are beautiful” – well, if that makes you uncomfortable bring someone taller than you to the class. And if old men who smell like cigarettes and like to push your cheek close to theirs to help you “stay connected”, the Argentine Tango may not be for you. Just saying. I left after the first break. 🙂
The best part of Tango dancing for me was the monthly Milonga. It’s a little party where Tango dancers come to dance to some great traditional and new Tango music, socialize, and have a few cocktails. Yes, you get to wear the cute dress and the elegant dance heels and pretend you’ve fled the country for a night.
5. Go Bouncing at the Trampoline Park
That’s right, there are trampoline parks adults can go to and act like kids. In the name of fitness (yay fitness!). Your heart will pound with gratitude. You’ll laugh like a kid and wonder why you haven’t been on a trampoline in 25 years. You can buy passes and jump to your heart’s content. Jump for 30 minutes, jump for an hour. It’s up to you and your heart.