Please, heavens above, make movie marathons do the same for exercise as actual marathons.
Do you know what’s extremely overrated. Running. This is coming from someone who regularly runs marathons and half-marathons. But running for the sake of staying fit with no further purpose is a different kind of hell for me. If you’re like me, you NEED to get out of the house and run around. That antsy feeling of wanting to be active but hating exercise is such a strange emotion, and one that I know so many people feel. But there is no reason to give up on trying to be active just because you hate running or going to the gym. So I’ve compiled a list of different ways that you can get out of the house and stay active at the same time (without that horrible”dreading the run” feeling some of us have). Getting active should be fun, so if you’re over forcing yourself to run, lift, or even walk, here is what you can do that you might just love that’ll help you stay active.
Social Sport
Seriously, this is the easiest way I know to stay fit, have fun, and even meet new people. Sign up for a local sports team, or, if you want less commitment sign up for an Urban Rec style social sports league. Have a regular time each week to burn 500 calories and play a game whist you do it!
Bouldering & Climbing
It’s not for everyone, but if you have, or can build, the upper body strength to get into bouldering you might just fall in love with it. It’s a low intensity and puzzling way to get active and build muscle. It’s not just about being strong, but also learning to balance, be flexible and logical enough to figure out how to solve this climb. Highly underrated.
Obstacle Course & Ninja Training
Hear me out on this. It might sound nuts but obstacle courses and ninja warrior training is seriously dumb fun. No, you’re not too old at all. With events like True Grit, Spartan and Tough Mudder as an event to train towards, these events make you feel fit, strong, and personally make me feel like I’m 10 again with the fun me and my mates have.
Dance Classes
Zumba anyone? We all remember the Zumba craze, and it was huge for a reason. Dancing is a fun and organic way to move your body and groove. There are many options to take up as well, Zumba, Pole Dancing, Salsa dancing, seriously there’s no shortage of styles to groove out to.
Martial Arts/Fighting Class
If you’re keen to learn something new and get fit in a way that might just save your life some day, taking up a Martial Arts class is a sure fire way to grow some discipline and strength. Learn something new, have fun and grow close with the other regulars in the class.
Swimming & Riding
Swimming and bike riding are great ways to mix up some solo exercise that isn’t too dissimilar from running. Swimming is a great way to stay cool in the summer heat, and bike riding is a fun way to take it easier on your knees and explore the city.
LARP (No, I’m not joking)
Live Action Role Playing, known as LARPing, is by far the nerdiest thing on this list. But you might be shocked how physically demanding it can be. Many LARPers often engage in combat and it’s not for the weak. Swinging weapons, running, diving for cover, and often wearing very heavy and impractical outfits, LARPing might just be the Lord of the Rings fitness fantasy you always wanted.
Solo Sports
Want to do something just for you but can’t stand to run or lift? Then look into some solo sports you can do. Golf is a great one, essentially a long walk with a game sandwiched either side, bowling is good too. If you’re moving and having fun you can’t go wrong.
Active Video Games
Oh man remember the Nintendo Wii, we need another one of those to return. Want to stay at home and try to burn some calories at the same time? Look into some video games that get you moving. Look into popular rhythm games that get you moving like Beat Saber and Just Dance!
