Tags
aerobics, exercise, fitness, health, healthier living, healthy-living, motivation, Nutrition challenge, raquetball, volleyball, weight-loss, zumba
I’m trying to change up my exercise and incorporate more activity into my life. I used to be the definition of “Couch Potato.” What was I doing Wednesday night? American Idol, and whatever other favorite show came on that night. I find that now when I watch TV I’m thinking about all of the things I can be doing instead. It feels pretty good because I feel like I am living now instead of watching others. As it is June and most TV shows are on reruns, now is the perfect opportunity to start turning the TV off to do something else.
Some solutions:
Sports
I love volleyball so when I was asked to play sand volleyball I said yes. For the last 7-8 weeks we play every Sunday. Running in sand is HARD. Even though it’s not spending 30-40 minutes on the treadmill it is a workout and it is FUN. Whether you love volleyball, basketball, softball, or simply walking outside, getting a group of people you like together to play one day a week can be fun and a good workout.
Other Gym Activities
Last night I was bored on the treadmill and I texted a buddy about playing racquetball. I’ve never played racquetball in my life but I like tennis and volleyball so wanted to give it a try. After 2 minutes of the ball flying at my head I wasn’t too sure about it, but it didn’t take long to catch on and it was pretty fun. According to MyFitnessPal app, 30 minutes of casual racquetball is 354 calories burned.
Zumba or Aerobics
I have wanted to try Zumba at my gym. I’ve done Zumba before, but only in front of my TV and in the comfort of my living room. I read that typically you can burn 500-1000 calories in an hour doing Zumba. I think after typing this I will send a message to some friends and see who wants to go. I wouldn’t mind trying a toning class or a weight lifting class too.
Getting Outside
Tonight I’m going to do a fitness trail near a friends house. She is probably going to kick my butt, but what better way to get in shape than to push yourself? Or to let someone who is fit push you to work harder than you normally would? So I’m giving this a shot tonight. I’m a little nervous, but then I figured, what else am I going to do? I can go to the gym, but change is good. And I need to keep pushing myself or I’ll just remain the same level I am now. My cousin says to shock the body with change. Don’t let your body adapt to what you do because you will stop losing. Instead, shock the body by regularly changing up your routines.
So that is my challenge today and a challenge I give to anyone reading this. What can you do today to add activity/exercise in the place of your normal TV slot?