3 Ways to Exercise Through Play
By Genevieve Cunningham
Exercise is something that we all need. Some people take it too seriously. They never miss a workout, obsess over their muscle to fat ratio, and stress over finding the perfect combination of weights and cardio. Others take it too lightly. They skip workouts all of the time, never worry about the next step, and assume they’ll exercise sometime in the future -- which usually never happens. The truth is that we don’t necessarily want to be on either of these two extremes. Isn’t there a healthy middle ground? Luckily, there is! If you want to work out consistently but want to have fun at the same time, take a look at these three ways to exercise through play.
Sports
Sports can be so much fun, especially when it's a friendly game versus a competition. Ask your friends to get together for some football, basketball, tennis, golf, or whatever kind of sport interests the group. The great thing about this kind of exercise is that it comes with conversation, laughs, and of course, plenty of movement. If you don't have a friend group that is interested, check out your local gym or a community organization to get some friendly adult sports started in your area.
Contests
As kids, we often thrive on the chance to compete. We join Little League and school teams and various other organizations that encourage competition. As adults, it's often better to find a more casual way to compete. Check out local community organizations for friendly tournaments. Look for local 5K races that serve a good cause. A little contest or competition may be able to give us just enough motivation to see the project through and finally get in better shape.
Fun Classes
In most areas, fitness classes are abundant. Gyms offer all sorts of classes -- from cycling to water sports to aerobics to yoga. But even if you're not a part of a gym, your community might have some classes available. Many churches will offer a nighttime Zumba class or an early morning boot camp. A local school might have an after school aerobics class. Get out there and get creative. The more you're willing to search, the more likely you are to find a fun class that suits your interests and challenges your body toward better health and fitness.
Getting in shape can be fun. It can feel more like play than work. Use these tips to get in your exercise without the dread. Work hard, play harder, and still get in the best shape of your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.
