Why an Unconventional Workout May Be the Best Fit
By Sandy Schroeder
As summer looms, most of us want to be more fit, but picking the right option can be tricky. Finding an option that fits the schedule, and actually sounds like fun can be frustrating.
If you are halfheartedly walking, going to the gym sometimes, or doing mat workouts at home when you are inspired, you may really need something to light your fire. When you find it, you will want to be there every single time and you will be eager to go back.
Recently I read one mom’s story in DumbLittleMan.com about finding the right workout. She said she was trying to lose weight after her second baby, but nothing was working.
Then she discovered something called Body Jam. The class was filled with people of all sizes and ages who came to dance. The instructor lowered the lights and cranked up the music, which was a mix of reggae, hip-hop and Latin. After an hour, her muscles hurt and she was exhausted, but she was grinning. She found her workout. Now after four years, she still goes every week and is no longer worried about weight.
Your unconventional workout may be entirely different. There are countless ways to start moving and keep right on going. It doesn’t have to be what everybody else is doing. It just has to work for you. When you settle on one, be sure to get your doctor’s approval, too.
What Makes You Grin?
Neighborhood action - Ask yourself what you enjoy most? If you roam around your neighborhood a lot, you may find a pickup basketball or volleyball game works just fine.
Watersports - If you love the water, learning a new watersport with a buddy could be a great way to get into shape.
Weekend camping - If you like to camp, mixing hiking with camping on weekends could be a good way to stay fit.
Park time - Love to go to the park with your kids? Stay and play with them. Kids burn up a lot of energy. Keeping up with them could mean playing soccer, tossing a Frisbee, biking, or running.
Short bursts - If time is limited, consider short bursts of activity throughout the day. Use morning and afternoon breaks and the time after lunch to do push-ups, squats, crunches or stairclimbing.
If one workout doesn’t fit, try another. Just make sure it is something that pulls you back every single time. Just like the mom who is still dancing, you will probably keep right on going too.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Goodyear, Ariz.