Top 10 Activities to Keep Fitness Fun

 

Fitness is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it can be difficult to stay motivated and keep it fun. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities that can help you stay fit and have fun at the same time. Here are the top 10 activities to keep fitness fun.

Cycling is a fantastic way to get your heart rate up and stay fit. Many people enjoy indoor spin classes, but nothing compares to a read bike ride outside on a rode bike at a 35 mph sprint. For those that are feeling really ambitious, there are 50 mile and even 100 mile bike races affectionately known as the century ride. The feeling to win, place, or show are life changing events. Cycling can be done alone or with a group, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun. It is a low impact sport so it can be done at all ages and ability levels.

Swimming is a great way to get your heart rate up and stay fit. If you are in Florida or some other hotter than hot climate, it's an exciting way to escape the 100 degree oven to cool off in the summer.  Swimming can be exciting when learning a new swim stroke or technique. Some of the most common strokes include the freestyle, the backstroke, the breaststroke, and the butterfly. The freestyle is the fastest and is often used for competition.  It is also fairly easy to learn which ,makes it good for beginners. The butterfly is probably the most difficult to learn and requires the most energy which makes it the best stroke for cardiovascular benefits and burning fat. For those feeling extra ambitious, summertime is also triathlon time.

Basketball will get your heart rate up and help you stay fit. It’s also a great way to have some friendly competition in the great outdoors. Or if you are in South Texas, the cool air conditioned gym. Basketball is a fabulous way to engage that competitive spirit and have some social interaction, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun. From the east coast Ruker park in NYC to the legendary Venice Beach, each venue has it’s notoriety. For media buffs, Ruker Park was home to the movies Above the Rim, Harlem Nights, Juice, The Preacher’s Wife, and a few others. For history buffs, Venice Beach has the country’s oldest outdoor basketball court still in use. Break a leg as they say!

Hiking in a national park is an adventurous great way to stay in shape. It’s also a great way to explore nature and enjoy the serenity of nature as long as you don’t get lost. Hiking can be done alone or with a group, and it’s a great way to catch up on conversation with your hiking partner. Many parks have a free admission program for servicemembers and veterans. For the adventurous hiker there are some fabulous parks to see such as Pikes Peak, Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree, and Mt Ranier. Just know that if you decide on Pikes Peak, its not for the weak at heart with a 14,115 foot elevation and a elevation gain of 7,815 feet, and a round trip distance of 13.3 miles. It’s been said to take 12 hours to complete. Don’t forget your water. Mt. Ranier is actually slightly higher at 14,417 ft and the highest mountain in the Cascade Range but it has a variety of hiking trails for all ability levels of hikers.

Snow skiing is a great way to get your heart rate up and stay fit. It’s also a great way to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. The two most common type of skiing are cross country and downhill skiing. Cross country skiing burns a ton of calories! The challenge here is that’s a regional and seasonal sport. If you got your passport ready, nothing beats the Black Forrest and the Alps. But for those that prefer to stay stateside, there’s some hot spots (pardon the pun) in Colorado, Utah, and California. Everyone has heard of Vail, but Estes Park and Aspen have some noteworthy slopes too in Colorado.  If you are in Utah, Der Valley and Snowbird will give you a great challenge and some good amenities at te resorts. I hear they might even have a hot toddy waiting for you when you return from your trek.  Weather its family fun or a group trip, it’s sure to provide memories for years to come.

Rock climbing is the perfect activity for the thrill seeker to stay fit. It’s also a great way to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. It also improves mental focus. Climbing requires concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, making it a great way to challenge your mind as well as your body. Climbing can be done indoors or outdoors, and there are a variety of different climbing styles and techniques to try, making it a fun and engaging activity. Rock climbing is a social activity, and many climbers find a supportive community of like-minded individuals at climbing gyms and outdoor climbing spots. Get the right training and coaching before beginning a rock climbing fitness regimen to make sure you are employing the right technique and gear. As with any physical exercise, it's crucial to pay attention to your body and refrain from overexerting oneself. Around the world, some challenging rocks to climb include Cerro Torre Located in Patagonia in South America. Cerro Torre is a challenging peak that is known for its unpredictable weather and difficult rock climbing routes. And there is Mont Blanc located in the Alps on the border of France and Italy. Mont Blanc is a popular destination for rock climbers and mountaineers, with a range of routes and difficulties to suit all levels of experience. Rock climbing can be a tough and rewarding fitness activity if you put in the effort and practice.

For those that love water, kayaking is a great way be at one with nature and enjoy new scenery while staying fit. It’s also a great way to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. Kayaking can be done alone or with a group, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun.

Yoga is a great way to get your heart rate up and stay fit. It originated in Indi over 5000 years ago. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "to unite" or "to join." Yoga evolved into a multifaceted system with a variety of practices and concepts over time. The sage Patanjali penned the Yoga Sutras in the early Christian era. Yoga reduces stress while increasing flexibility.  Many people say it even improves their quality of sleep. It can be done solo or as a group activity. Many gyms have free yoga classes included in the membership. And yoga events in urban cities is quickly becoming a trend.

Joseph Pilates created the well-known exercise technique known as Pilates around the beginning of the 20th century. Pilates focuses on developing flexibility, strengthening the body's core muscles, and enhancing posture. It is a mind-body exercise method that combines controlled movements and focused breathing to increase energy. There are numerous ways to begin Pilates if you're interested in giving it a try. Most fitness centers and gyms offer Pilates classes. Additionally, Pilates training and videos are available online. It is a good idea to start with a class or program that is intended for beginners if you are new to Pilates. You'll get knowledge of the appropriate form and technique for the workouts as a result. Pilates can be done alone or with a group, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun.

Running is a competitive way to get in your cardio, especially if you are training for an event. It’s also a great way to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. Running is also an excellent way to clear your mind or plan your day mentally. And every season you count on finding a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon to give you something to work towards. Some notable upcoming marathons include the Boston Marathon, The Rock n Roll Marathon, The NYC marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. If you have your passport current, give the London Marathon a try.

Staying fit doesn’t have to be boring or tedious. Make it fun and exciting and you are more likely to stick with it. There are plenty of activities that can help you stay fit and have fun at the same time. From cycling to snow skiing, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and have some fun while staying fit!