The idea of hitting the gym and dieting fills some most of us with dread. While we all know we need to exercise and eat well to maintain a healthy weight and we all understand the benefits of exercise to both our physical and mental health, we don’t all enjoy it. Some give up and say that ‘exercise isn’t for everyone’. I beg to differ. Exercise is an umbrella term for so many activities that every single person can find a little something they enjoy doing. Be it running races for cat charities (oh hello, that would be me) or skinny dipping in your local pond.
Yoga
If you want to know how to get fit fast, yoga might not be the first thing you think of. It’s steady and relaxed and can start very light (yet pretty much always ends in puddles of sweat and tears, been there, done that). But, incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, with other activities, yoga can have fantastic results. Try to do a few yoga stretches every day. If you don’t have time for a full routine, still do some basic stretches as soon as you get out of bed in the morning. I usually do at least 15 minutes as soon as I wake up because then I have literally no excuse not to do it. This can boost your circulation, help you to wake up and make sure you start your day on the right note.
Dancing
Whether you are dancing around the kitchen with the kids or heading to a party with your friends, you are burning calories. Dancing energetically is an excellent way to have fun while getting fit. Remember, whenever you are moving, it counts. So, turn the music up at home and dance as much as you can. I’m a shameful dancer, literally cannot dance for the love of me – unless we’re talking dancing with Cookie and running around the house pretending he’s an airplane. Then I’m a solid 10/10 dancer.
Walking
Walking is the easiest way to add physical activity to your day to day life. Avoid busy roads or packed public transport and walk to work instead. You’ll be getting some exercise, enjoying fresh air and giving yourself a chance to get some peace and time to yourself. Walking can be great for your mental health as well as your body. Plus it’s a damn good excuse to spend money on a pair of pretty trainers and maybe even a Fitbit.
Team sports
Despite me being strictly against any team sport participation (I twitch when people accidentally touch me on the train, hello anti-social Tereza) team sports like football, netball, rounders and roller derby can actually be a great way to meet new people and have fun while you exercise. There are many beginner’s adult teams, check out your local sports centre or community centre to see if there is anything that you fancy.
Cycling
Many of us stopped riding a bike once we left school. Even those that carried it on into adulthood just use it as a way to get from A to B and spend most of their cycling time commuting to or from work. But, cycling, just for cycling sake, without competing with traffic or rushing to get somewhere can be incredibly good fun. Do you remember all those hours spent riding as a child? The wonderful feeling of freedom it brought? Get yourself a bike and go out for a ride, you’ll be keeping fit, relaxing and having a fantastic time.
You are much more likely to stick to an exercise and see results if you can find something that you enjoy. Whether this is high impact interval training for quick results, or walking to work every day, as long as you are having fun, setting yourself goals and feeling great, you are bound to see results.
What are your favourite sports at the moment?