Squeeze in a Workout Without Even Noticing
One of the hardest parts about maintaining a workout routine is how difficult the work actually is. It’s hard to drag ourselves to those yoga mats when we know the burn that’s coming—but there are plenty of fun ways to torch calories the fun way!
1. Dancing
Dancing breaks a bigger sweat than you think! Whether you groove at home or join a dancing class, you’ll burn those calories without even realizing it. Classes are also a great way to make friends in adulthood, so it’s a win-win.
2. Jumping Rope
It’s back to childhood with this classic calorie scorcher. We probably didn’t notice it as kids, but skipping rope is the ultimate full-body workout. It’s also not as restrictive as we thought—cordless ropes bring this exercise to even the smallest spaces, allowing you to get that burn wherever you live.
3. Hiking
If you’d like to try something a little more challenging than everyday walking, hiking is your new best friend. Grab some pals or head out alone if you’d like the solitude, either way, you’ll get your steps in without staring at a gym wall for two hours.
4. Yoga
Yoga is so much more than simple poses and cute outfits. It improves your strength, your flexibility, and provides additional benefits like better sleep and reduced stress. Best of all, this workout is as easy as you make it. With so many poses and variations available, you’ll break a sweat without feeling like a goner.
5. Rock Climbing
We’re not saying you have to climb Mount Everest, but rock climbing walls provide just as much exercise without all the danger. This exercise also works your brain as much as your body—it’s all about strength, balance, and mental fortitude, which helps keep your mind off those burning limbs.
6. Pole Fitness
Pole fitness gets a bad rap thanks to certain professions, but there’s no denying the strength and flexibility it takes to avoid injury! At the end of the day, this is a fun way to torch calories and improve your stamina, all without it feeling like a workout.
7. Boxercise
With a name like that, how could it not be fun? Boxercise combines exercise and boxing to bring you into a new era of workouts. You’ll boost muscle, burn body fat, and stay distracted in a fast-paced environment that pushes you to the max. You also don’t have to worry about going 0-100 immediately; plenty of classes cater to beginners.
LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash
8. Hula Hooping
We’re not done with nostalgia yet! It may have been years since you’ve seen a hula hoop, let alone used one, but did you know that they’re great tools to strengthen your core and improve your balance? Put on some tunes and get those hips moving.
9. Walking
Hiking isn’t for everyone and that’s okay—a simple walk around the neighborhood is just as effective. This workout has been tried and true for decades; as an affordable, accessible option, people can cater walks to fit their needs. Whether you strap on ankle weights or maintain a leisurely pace, it’s ideal for almost everyone.
10. Burlesque
We’ve covered dancing, but burlesque is a little spicier. While it incorporates the same elements of a dance class, along with the same burn, it’s also an effective way to boost confidence!
Miguel Ángel Hernández on Unsplash
11. Trampolining
Trampolines were awesome when we were kids. We’d soar through the air or entrust our friends to bounce us higher than the roof—what a time to be alive! Bring back a little of that fire with trampoline workouts. It’s an amazing cardio exercise that improves your balance and coordination while also providing a healthy burn.
12. Aerial Hoops
If poles seem a little too daunting, you can always swing away on an aerial hoop. It’s just as effective for weight loss and improved strength, especially your core. However, you’ll have a little more support, and that peace of mind can make all the difference.
13. Swimming
Is there anything better than a cool pool on a hot day? We’re often so wrapped up in the relief that we hardly notice we’re getting a good burn! Swimming is one of the best exercises for us—it combats heart disease, works the entire body, and oftentimes feels more like play than work.
14. Disco Spin
We all know spin class can be a pain (literally), but disco spin puts a fun twist on your workout. We won’t lie, it’s still intensive, but it’s hard to get upset with literal disco balls and music around you.
15. Cycling
On the other hand, you don’t need to join a disco spin class to reap the benefits of cycling. With so many rental spots available, you likely have the option to gently cruise a path in your very own neighborhood. Though it’s certainly faster than walking, it shares the same intensity levels in that you can go as quickly or casually as you want.
16. Rec Leagues
If you pop online to community groups or neighborhood sites, you’ll probably notice spots open for rec leagues. There’s no time like the present to join a sports team. You’ll not only make new friends, but you’ll enjoy that full-body workout in the process. From basketball and soccer to volleyball and hockey, you have plenty of options.
17. Play Fighting
If you have rugrats running around at home, you can always burn their energy and those calories. Think about it—they run around, they gently roughhouse, and they’re always up for games. When you join in the fun, you burn more calories than you think!
18. Stair Climbing
Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend an hour on the stair master (unless you can handle it). You can, however, opt for the stairs at work or when you visit a friend’s apartment. It might not seem like much at first, but those steps burn calories and can be a good stepping stone to longer workouts.
19. House Cleaning
They’re called chores for a reason! Between vacuuming and running laundry up and down the stairs, we get a serious burn cleaning the house. If you wanted to burn even more calories, you could always work in a lunge or fully extend those arms when vacuuming under the sofa.
20. Gardening
Soak in the sun and work off those calories in the garden. Anything from raking leaves to weeding plants can burn hundreds of calories, especially if you’re out there for more than an hour.
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