10 Great Ways to 'MOVE IT 4' More Fun!
Probably many of the things you enjoy doing the most, will also be great activities to help you get into great shape and also have a blast with your friends.
Having a few different things to do keeps it more interesting too.
The trick is just to think about all the things you'd enjoy doing, make a plan and commitment to do them on a regular basis...then just do it!
Here are a few ideas to get you started...
1. Nintendo Wii Games
Choose between a variety of exercises and sports games for fun, points and fitness!
- Create a Mii (a customized avatar) for even more character personalization.
- With Wii Sports, you can become a pro and burn calories playing tennis, baseball, golf, boxing and bowling.
- Wii Fit is a great way to calculate and track your weight and your training progress, with the help of the Wii Balance Board.
- Choose between over 40 exercises with Wii Fit in the categories of Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics and Balance games.
- Wii Active Life Outdoor Challenge offers over a dozen fun, fast-paced games that challenge you physically. Includes river rafting, mine-cart adventure, log-jumping and more.
- EA Sports Active features more than 25 exercises and sport drills including dancing, inline skating, tennis, and volleyball. You can have a virtual personal trainer and track your fitness progress.
2. Play Guitar Hero or Rock Band Video Game
These games are fun and exciting and you’re burning calories without even thinking about it.
- Extra points for rocking out and being very energetic.
- Pick your favorite song and get really into it.
- Pretend you are the artist entertaining a crowd of thousands.
- Jam out with your friends as a cool way of hanging out.
- Make some healthy and delicious snacks for your ‘concert’.
3. Take a Class
Most gyms have a variety of classes to choose from that will keep challenging your body in different ways.
- Try Yoga as a good way of cross training and to develop a mind-body connection. Yoga helps to develop focus, balance, strength and flexibility.
- For a total body workout focused on your core muscles in your lower back and abdominals, take a Pilates class.
- Spin or Cycle classes burn a lot of calories as you intensely ride a stationary bike to loud, energetic music.
- Kick boxing is a great cardio and strength training class - kick, punch and sweat your way to a higher fitness level! It’s also excellent for releasing anger in a healthy way.
- Boot Camp classes give you the benefits of a chiseled physique without actually having to join the military. It includes calisthenics and circuit training drills focused on developing strength, stamina and agility.
- Zumba, a popular new class, is a dance-based workout infused with Afro-Brazilian, Latin and hip hop styles.
4. Hula Hoop
This old classic is making a comeback in popularity for people of all ages!
- Hula hoop while watching your favorite music videos on TV to keep you pumped.
- Have your friends time how long you can keep the hula hoop up and you’ll be surprised at the workout you’ll get.
- Notice how in no time, your stomach, thighs and glutes will be incredibly tone!
5. Trampoline
It’s a great way to try out new tricks and get a total body workout at the same time.
- Try doing flips and land on your feet.
- Make up games like hot potato or popcorn.
- Stay on as long as you can and impress your friends.
- Use the trampoline a few times a week and watch your body transform.
6. Swim Laps
Swimming is an excellent and enjoyable way to exercise.
- It helps you to feel weightless so you can swim for a long time.
- Doing laps in the pool is great for your legs, thighs, arms and stomach.
- There are many different ways to swim so you can change it up!
- Do the breaststroke and backstroke to work your midsection.
- Backstroke gives you the rush of being upside down.
- Challenge yourself to do the crawl stroke or the really hard one: the butterfly.
7. Dance Party
Put on your favorite music, dim the lights and have a dance party!
- It’s a fun way to bond with your friends.
- Reveal a different side of your personality with your unique moves.
- There are endless possibilities of dance styles and music to jam to; choose a new one for each party.
- Get in character with costumes and accessories.
8. Trail Walk/Jog
Most cities have a park walking path or nature trail to walk or jog on.
- It’s easy and has tons of benefits!
- It is really relaxing; you don't need to make it too strenuous, just a leisurely-paced walk.
- Make an inspiring playlist on your iPod to keep you pumped up.
- Walk for an hour three times a week; it'll clear your mind while getting great exercise.
- In the snow, you can cross country ski, alpine ski, snowboard or use snow shoes.
9. Belly Dancing
A fun way to tone your stomach!
- There are many forms to choose from, so pick the one best for you.
- Belly dancing is all about posture, balance and flexibility; if you don't have grace before, you will when you’re done.
- It’s a great way to tone up your stomach while learning an ancient form of dancing.
- Take a group class or get a DVD to practice in the privacy of your own home.
10. Concert
Concerts are an ideal way to work out!
- Get into it and sing along with the band.
- Choose a band that is great at performing so you are guaranteed to move the entire night.
- Be an active fan - the band will love you for it and you will burn tons of calories.
- Dance until you can't dance anymore and it'll be an exhilarating workout!
These are just 10 ideas - you can probably come up with a lot more! Just make sure you’re having fun - that way you’ll be motivated to continue being more active!