| Including new fun ways to exercise in your daily routine is key to being able to develop healthy habits that will stick with you and fit into your lifestyle, without feeling like a chore. By incorporating a variety of interesting and challenging activities into your routine, you can find new fun ways to exercise that will tone and strengthen your body, while providing a fast and easy workout that you will look forward to each day. |
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Yoga Dance Fusion DVD |
The rate of obesity in this country is clear evidence of the need for new fun ways to exercise. So many people dread "working out" (note the use of the word "work"!), and force themselves to pump iron, get on the treadmill, or go to the gym, just because they know they should -- not because they really want to.
Finding new fun ways to exercise can be a challenge, but is well-worth it! Lack of physical activity is not only a major cause of weight gain and disability, but it also contributes to many other health issues. Our bodies were designed to be moved! Lack of physical activity is devastating to our bodies, yet it is a problem that affects almost every person in America, regardless of age, class, or race.
A common excuse is lack of time. Many people think that finding new fun ways to exercise will be time-consuming, and don't have the time or energy to try to fit regular physical activity into their daily routines. But there are new ways to exercise that are fun, easy, and fast, and won't take hours out of your day, but will still provide your body with the benefits of an active lifestyle.
| Going to a gym or fitness center can be great for some people, but the majority of people simply don't look forward to working out for 45 minutes or more several times a week. However, several studies have shown that you can benefit from getting just 10 minutes per day of good physical activity! The main thing is to be consistent, and find new fun ways to exercise and be physically active on a regular basis, whether it be walking your dog, dancing, swimming, or taking a walk with a friend. Many interesting types of home fitness equipment are now available on the market, and can provide you with new fun ways to exercise without even leaving your own home -- often in just a few minutes per day. |
 
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ChiVibe: Get a total body workout at home - in just 4 minutes a day! |
And of course, if you find your exercise routine new and fun, you are more likely to stick with it!
Adding new fun ways to exercise to your routine is a great way to add variety -- remember, you don't always have to do the same routine! Mix things up! Try different methods and ideas. When you find some new fun ways to exercise your body, and stick with it -- even if it's just for a few minutes a day, it will become a habit -- even an addiction, but of the good kind!
You want your "workouts" to feel like play, not work!
Here are some ideas for new fun ways to exercise. Try a few, and see if you can find some that you like:
| Videos: Using videos to work out is very convenient for many people, because you don't have to go to the gym, or even leave the house -- you can use them right in your own living room. All you will usually need is a TV and VCR or DVD player. (Some routines may also require equipment, such as weights, resistance bands, mats, or other items.) There are hundreds of different workouts on video -- from yoga and pilates, to hip-hop or belly-dance routines! Try some different ones until you find a particular style or instructor you like. Then explore these areas to lead you to more ideas! The main drawback of using videos is simply that you may lack motivation and start skipping workouts. However, once you start forming a habit, you will look forward to the physical activity, and it will become a natural part of your life. |
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HIP HOP ABS DANCE PARTY Cardio Groove & Booty Shakin' Workouts |
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Books: Books can be particularly useful for strength-training or flexibility programs, such as Pilates or yoga. If you're looking for new fun ways to exercise in books, we recommend going to a bookstore and browsing through the fitness section to find an author/instructor that works for you. In particular, look at the illustrations to make sure they are clear and help you to see the positions and imagine the movements. Also make sure the instructions are clear, and they should also discuss proper breathing, stretching, and safety techniques to avoid injury. If you like Pilates, we highly recommend The Pilates Body, by Brooke Siler. This book has excellent illustrations, very detailed instructions, including breathing, how to know if you are doing an exercise right, and modifications for beginners, as well as more advanced variations, so that you can progress as you grow stronger. You will get years of use out of this book! |
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The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body |
Classes: Of course, you can also try classes at the gym or a local fitness or community center. Local community centers often have very reasonably priced classes (sometimes even free for members), and they can have a variety of interesting choices. Try a few, and if you have problems getting motivated to go to class, make plans with a friend to sign up for classes together, and this will help keep you both on track! Some new fun ways to exercise may be available to you which you may not be familiar with; good ones to try include Pilates (or Pilates/yoga combinations), kickboxing, and dance-type classes, such as ballet, hip-hop, belly-dance, and the recently popular Latin-fusion classes.
With these new fun ways to exercise providing excitement and motivation, you will find yourself building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient body in no time!
Note: The suggestions given here are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any given condition. Before beginning any physical activity, it is advisable to consider any pre-existing conditions, as well as your overall health and fitness level. Please use common sense, and, if circumstances warrant, consult your healthcare practitioner.
Find New Fun Ways to Exercise
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