10 unconventional ways to make movement fun

Ways to stay active you may not have considered

No matter the weather, it’s important to keep active.

Ideally, you should find a way to move around and exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day — but this can be more complicated if you have a sedentary job, kids to take care of, or if exercise just isn’t your thing.

We’ve got you covered, though. Here are some creative and unconventional ways to make movement fun so it’s easier to incorporate into your weekly routine.

Take a bike tour of your town

Cycling can be a rejuvenating exercise for both the body and the mind. Bike tours in particular allow a chance to get your blood pumping while also exploring the space around you.

Many cities and towns feature a variety of tours, from looking at history to visiting vineyards. If you don’t have a bike, chances are you can find convenient rentals nearby. You can also look up routes to do self-guided tours around your neighborhood.

Try Yoga with Adriene

For so many people staying at home over the last year, this yoga instructor has become a household name. Adriene Mishler, the welcoming and talented star of Yoga with Adriene, has created dozens of yoga sessions, all of which are offered for free on YouTube. The brilliance of yoga is that it can incorporate many different kinds of movements, so you can find sessions that are long or short, slow or intense, meditative or active. Grab a yoga mat and get started.

Attend online exercise classes

Besides yoga, you can find just about any type of exercise class online, from spin to HIIT to step aerobics. These free offerings range in intensity, skill level, and length, so you can find the right one for your needs. Such classes are often put on by studios, individual trainers, or people just like you who want to share their routines with others. While many are free, some may be paid services with extra perks or benefits. If you can’t make it to the gym, you can find a workout online.

Similar to exercise classes, you’ll likely find online classes that focus on other skills and movements too. Now’s a great time to take up karate, salsa dancing, or kickboxing!

Get on a skateboard

There’s something particularly carefree about skateboarding, a pastime often enjoyed by those in their teens and 20s. Even if you have nowhere to go, hopping on a skateboard engages your mind and body in positive ways. Skateparks are becoming a more common fixture in cities, and it offers a chance for “kids” of all ages to stay active.

Go for mindfulness walks

Most of the time when we’re walking, we have somewhere to be — we want to get to our destination, then get home. Mindfulness walks, however, are strolls without a destination.

Try taking some time to get outside and disconnect with nowhere in particular to go. Just wander, taking in the sights, sounds, smells, and fresh air. You can listen to some calming music, but try to avoid staring at a screen. A mindfulness walk not only gets you active but also allows you to break up your day, which is especially beneficial for those working from home and juggling multiple responsibilities. Even 10 minutes can give you the chance for a mental reset.

Play kids games

For adults stuck inside, it’s time to channel your inner child and think back to a simpler time full of games and imagination. If you have the space available, there are a number of fun, silly games to play to keep you active. Consider Twister, a battle with NERF toys, building a pillow and blanket fort, or even a game of mini hockey where you play on your knees with small sticks and goals. Even hide-and-seek offers a chance to run and play. Don’t be afraid to get ridiculous.

Do a scavenger hunt

Young ones can get stir-crazy, and it’s extra important for them to stay active. An increasingly popular and innovative way to get kids moving around while away from screens is with a neighborhood scavenger hunt.

Any number of people can work together to create something that requires cooperation, cleverness, and of course, movement. For those with the space, your child or children can enjoy a scavenger hunt inside throughout the day. Just make a list of things to spot, and compete to see who can find the most (or the quickest).

Have a dance party

Turn down the lights and crank up the music to get moving, transforming an ordinary night into a dance party. You can also just take a break during the workday to move around. Strip lighting can help change and enhance the mood of any room; they can also flicker and change color to music, making them an ideal companion for the complete dance party effect.

Rethink outside chores

If you have an outdoor space that needs to be regularly maintained, make that an active part of your week. Whether you’re shoveling snow, raking leaves, mowing the grass, or tending to a garden, add it to your schedule. If you don’t have those responsibilities, consider helping out neighbors who might need help with their own chores.

Play with your pets

Are you a pet owner? Add a little more playtime to your daily schedule. Find time to play fetch, a game of tug, or just take extra walks around the neighborhood with your pup. Let your cat chase after a feather wand or laser pointer. Your pet will love the extra excitement, and you’ll benefit from the added activity, both physically and mentally.

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Anthony Marcusa writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

 

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