Fun Exercises that can Help You Lose Weight

Some people love exercising and are happiest when they are physically active.  However, many of us don’t share the same enthusiasm and would rather spend our free time relaxing than moving our bodies.  Part of the issue with exercise is that instead of viewing it as something fun and entertaining, we often see it as a chore or something we have to do to lose weight. Furthermore, many of us have a distorted understanding of exercise and are prone to thinking that you need to take on a rigorous program, such as hard-core cardio workouts and strength training to lose weight and get in shape, but this simply isn’t true. Although cardiovascular activities and strength training should be a part of your regular exercise routine, for the most part just getting up and being active everyday will go a long way to helping you lose weight and improving your overall health.

Walking is an excellent form of exercise and a perfect activity to begin with if you haven't been very physically active.

If your body weight interferes with being physically active, then I recommend you read this article “Exercising When Overweight” that has excellent suggestions for low-impact exercises that are gentle on the body and will improve your physical fitness.

There are a number of ways you can get your body moving to lose weight.  Best of all, since there are so many types of exercises, you’re bound to find one you truly enjoy.  To help give you ideas, consider the following great exercise activities that many people have fun with:

Fun Exercises that can Help You Lose Weight

Swimming – Moving your body underwater takes a lot of strength because the body is faced with so much resistance.  Regular swimming builds endurance, cardio vascular fitness and strengthens your muscles.  Even if you are not an avid swimmer you can join a class that offers water exercises, such as aquacize, which are not only highly beneficial to your health and fitness, but are also low-impact on the body.

Dancing – This is a great cardio workout that helps you burn calories.  You can do all sorts of dancing to obtain your exercise fix.  You can join a class and learn new dances, boogie to your favourite song around the house while you are cleaning or dance for no reason at all.

Jumping on a trampoline – You’ll be amazed at how beneficial bouncing up and down on a trampoline is for your health and it’s so easy to do!  You can develop balance, coordination, improve your flexibility and posture, give your muscles and cardiovascular system a workout and, of course, lose weight.

Gardening and yard work – You can burn calories by pushing a lawnmower, trimming hedges, pulling weeds, etc.  In addition to summer chores, shovelling snow in the winter months is also highly beneficial.

Playing with the kids or dog – If you have children or a pet you can play with, this is the perfect opportunity to exercise and bond with them.  There are many wonderful things you can do together including walks, sports, swimming, tag, etc.

Workout with a friend – Sometimes the best way to maintain regular exercise is to look forward to doing your activity with a friend.  Running, jogging, walking, cycling or joining a fitness class with someone is very enjoyable and helps you stay motivated.

There are a multitude of other exciting exercises awaiting you including: Yoga, pilates, rock climbing, hiking, skating, snowshoeing, racquet sports, boxercise and the list goes on and on.  Thus, don’t limit yourself.  Try new things, and put your energy into your daily activities.  Exercise is whatever you want it to be, so make it fun!