If the thought of hitting the elliptical or tying your running shoes to do the same jog you do every day makes you want to go back to bed…. you may be in a workout burnout.
It’s okay to take a break from the gym every now and then and mix up your workout routine. Doing the same thing over and over is bound to be uninspiring. The following activities are unique suggestions of ways to incorporate movement into your life—and move your body in new ways!
Hiking
If you’re lucky enough to live near some natural beauty, it’s time to take your workout to the trails. Hiking combines the physical benefits of exercise with the psychological benefits of being in nature. If you’ve been getting in your 10,000 steps by walking around your neighborhood, walking on flatter trails with less elevation gain is a great way to get your cardio in. More strenuous hikes that climb up and down hills will challenge your muscles and train your endurance. Check out online trail databases to find a trail near you—you may be surprised at how many are in your area!
Boxing
We know working out is a great way to reduce stress—and perhaps no workout lets you take it out more than boxing. High-intensity boxing can burn hundreds of calories, strengthens your entire body, and can even improve your balance. Boxing has also modernized with the recent wellness boom. Not just limited to small boxing rings, you can now take energetic group classes in slick studios with pounding music.
Pickleball
This tennis-spinoff sport has really popped off in the last few years. Played on the same courts, pickleball also involves serving a ball over a net. But with its smaller paddles and lighter ball, the barrier to entry is lower with similar physical benefits as tennis. Playing pickleball can also help improve hand-eye coordination. And because the game is typically played in doubles (2 vs 2), it can also be a great way to meet new people and make exercise a social outing.
Rock Climbing
You don’t have to scale a cliff to get the exercise benefits of rock climbing—just head to your closest indoor rock-climbing gym. Indoor rock climbing can help improve your cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance. Lifting and pulling your entire body up will help strengthen all your muscles (not just your arms). A little nervous? Trained staff members at these gyms will help keep you safe as you work your way up the wall—and through the exhilarating descent that follows.
Adult Dance Classes
Just because you’re over 18 years old doesn’t mean you can’t go back to the dance studio. Whether you participated when you were a child or just developed the dancing fever, dance studios have opened their doors to adults looking to move. What better way to shake off stress and get your blood pumping than spinning your way across the floor to the beat? Dancing helps you burn calories, improve balance, and boost your energy. Plus, you’ll have all the moves ready for your next party.
No matter how you choose to move your body, make sure you love it!
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