7 Ways to Get Active Without Setting Foot on a Treadmill

We’ve all been there. That moment when you have a heart-to-heart talk with yourself and realize your exercise game has been seriously lacking and you need to do something about it pronto. So you lace up your running shoes and force yourself to hit the treadmill. And if you’re anything like me, you keep thinking, “Has it been 20 minutes yet?” . . . literally the whole time.

But I’m here to tell you that exercise does not have to feel like torture. There are plenty of ways to get active, get moving, and get fit without running. Of course, if you’re one of those crazies that loves running, don’t let me stop you! Keep doing what you love.

Epic Dance Party

So you just watched Footloose or Step Up for the thousandth time. Now put those moves in action, blast your favorite Kelly Clarkson album, and shake it. If your skills aren’t exactly on par with Jenna Dewan-Tatum, feel free to close the curtains first.

Take a Hike!

Make use of this slightly-mild weather while you can. If you haven’t been taking advantage of the state and local parks in your area, you are certainly missing out. Scope out the best parks near you and go explore those hidden gems! Take a friend or your favorite music.

Play with Little Ones

If you spend any time with your nieces, nephews, neighbor kids, etc., you know they are a boundless source of energy. Ask them to play tag (freeze tag, hide-and-seek tag, shadow tag, regular tag, the varieties are endless), jump rope, kickball, catch, Frisbee, anything! They will love you for it, and so will their parents. I call this a win-win-win.

Join an Intramural Sports League

Community social clubs are happening, people! This is a great way to make new friends and get active at the same time. Whatever your sport, there’s a league out there for you. Get on a team, whether it’s volleyball, basketball, kickball, soccer, hockey, dodgeball, or even corn hole!

Group Fitness Classes

If you want to get your zen on, take yoga. If you want to get your sass on, take Zumba. If you want to get your legwarmers on, take step aerobics! Call up your gym ask them for this month’s group fitness schedule. Don’t be afraid to ask what each class is like. Feel free to try kickboxing or that Power Whatever class. If you don’t like it, no sweat; just try something else next time.

Swimming

Sure it’s November. That doesn’t mean your can’t scope out a good indoor pool. Plenty of local schools and community centers offer swimming lessons and free swim sessions to the public.

Prancercise

Yes, I said it. You can prancercise yourself right around the neighborhood. Just set your iPod to John Mayer’s Paper Doll and the rest will come naturally. This skip-dance hybrid is easy on the joints and more intense (and fun!) than walking. Who cares what the neighbors think?

Whatever you decide, the point is to get out there, get moving, and have fun! If you love your exercise, you will keep doing it. If the treadmill is your thing, I certainly won’t stop you, but the rest of us need a little something else. Now get out there and get active! Your body will thank you.