The word “exercise” makes most people think of a gym and a set of dumbells. But the benefits of regular exercise go far beyond that. It can help you get into shape, lose weight, and feel better about yourself.
If you are one of the people who hate exercise but still want to do something good for your body or burn extra calories, there are a number of alternatives you can try today! The ideas you will find in this article are fun and beneficial not only for physical but also mental health.
Play Games
If you believed that games were for children only, you were wrong. There are a few fitness games that can help you exercise indoors, without leaving the door of your apartment or sweating liters of sweat at the gym. All you need is a Nintendo Switch (Just Dance 2020), Xbox 360 (Your Shape Fitness Evolved), or your smartphone (apps such as Pokemon Go).
If you don’t want to be locked up at home, invite your friends to mini-golf, billiard, darts, or try something more action-packing, such as paintball.
Dance It Our In A Club
Dancing is great for improving your coordination, flexibility, and balance. Plus, it gets you moving and results in good blood flow. There are a number of dance styles that can be practiced at the gym, but dance is different to exercise. It’s not about working out your muscles, but having involvement with your body that is non-judgmental and focused on the now.
If you do not intend to visit a dance class and learn a new dance style, it is enough to go to a dance club with your friends every weekend. You will see for yourself that the atmosphere and music will get you moving. And even without thinking about it, you can burn more calories all night than you have consumed all day. You may be surprised that the next day your whole body hurts more than if you were lifting heavy weights or running a marathon.
Go Metal Detecting
If you’re the type of person who loves to explore new hobbies and who likes surprises, then a metal detecting hobby may just be what you’re looking for. There are a number of metal detecting clubs that are open to the public. You can go with a group and pick up a few tips from the experienced guys and girls there, or you can rent or buy your own detector.
When you’re metal detecting, you’re not just walking around like a tourist. You walk through various places (forests, fields, meadows, beaches) and look for treasures that can lie there for several hundred years. I can assure you that this hobby is addictive (at least for me) and during the few hours you’re out with the detector, you don’t even realize how many miles you’ve come and how many calories you’ve burned. Read more about the health benefits of metal detecting in our article.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Abroad
Traveling can be a great way to get some exercise and have some fun too! There are many activities that can be done while on vacation, such as taking a hike, going to the beach, visiting a theme park, or even engaging in a game of golf. It really depends on what type of vacation you want to take, and what kind of exercise you want to get.
If you are traveling to a larger city, try to avoid public transport and walk. Especially if it’s a new place you’ve never been before, your mind will be busy and you won’t even realize how many miles you’ve walked all day. Traveling is also good for your mental health because you get to explore your own mind and find new ways of thinking, so it is beneficial not only for your physical but also mental health.
Try Yoga
Did you know that exercise can also be used as an Eastern Medicine treatment for various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes? Yoga is a powerful form of meditation that can be used as therapy for a variety of health conditions. Think of it as stretching and strengthening the muscles you use on a daily basis. You can learn all the poses, and even change your basic sit-stand position to improve your posture and balance. If you’ve only heard of yoga but never tried it, give it a try!
Conclusion
Exercise is important because it gives you a good mood and improves cognitive function. It also has a significant impact on your heart health, weight, blood pressure, and immune system. If you hate to exercise but want to stay fit and physically and mentally healthy, try one of these alternatives from our article. You may be surprised at how fun and exciting playing games, dancing, traveling, metal detecting, or doing yoga really is.
