Are you looking for a great way to get active and lose weight? Are you not really a big fan of hitting the gym or the treadmill in your living room? If this sounds like you, then you are certainly not alone. People all over this country and beyond are in a constant struggle to get in better shape, but very few actually enjoy the ‘traditional’ forms of exercise. That being said, it doesn’t have to be a struggle to workout, if you are able to find a form of it that you do like. Here are a few ideas that might spur some inspiration.

Dive Right In A pool is a wonderful place to get a workout, so if you like the water, why hesitate? It doesn’t even have to be formal laps or even an instructed aerobics class that gets you in shape. Consider just walking or jogging around the pool. You might even find enjoyment in floating around, using your arms to keep your feet off the ground. If you aren’t ready for formal laps, but like the act of swimming, just do a few a couple laps and float on your back for rest in between. All of these methods will help you get in shape and can be quite enjoyable as well.

Sun and Sand If you have a beach nearby, whether on a lake or the ocean, sand can also be a great place to get a workout. You can enjoy the natural cooling of the breeze through your hair and the water on your feet as you walk, jog, or run. You might even consider a regular game of volleyball with friends as your form of exercise. Also fun, is Frisbee. Running back and forth to catch each throw will give you more of a workout than you might imagine.

Ride Away Don’t have a pool or a big body of water nearby? Then you might want to take up biking. This is a great activity to do as a family, can be enjoyed year round in most parts of the country (with the right gear) and will give an excellent boost to your metabolism. Recumbent bikes, which allow the rider to sit down in the bike, rather than being at handle bar level, are great for those who have back or shoulder issues that would prevent classic biking.

Hit the Gym It might be what you are trying to avoid, but consider other alternatives available to you there, aside from the treadmill, elliptical and weights. Many gyms offer wonderful classes in Yoga, Pilates, aerobics, spinning and more. All can be entertaining and excellent for the body. If those aren’t quite your speed, then maybe you would rather hit the courts. The same activities that you enjoyed as a kid can provide wonderful exercise as an adult. Basketball, tennis, racquetball, indoor soccer, and even dodge ball are commonly played by adult leagues all over this country. Find a league of interest and sign yourself up. The team will rely on you to be there, which will be even more motivation to get up and get moving.

Remember exercise is all about movement. It doesn’t have to conform to anyone’s standards, but your own. There are endless possibilities out there. It is just a matter of choosing something that will keep your interest and make you want to continue working out. So, find an activity that gets you moving and stick with it. In no time, you will start to feel better, look better, and likely be far happier than you ever were before.

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