Making Fitness Fun: Six Activities to Burn Calories

Exercising doesn’t have to be a drag! These six activities make burning calories and getting exercising easier than ever, read them below:

Nature Walking

Walking might be one of the easiest fitness activities to do and it can be an enjoyable one, especially if you can get out into nature! Our local Cincinnati and Dayton parks have a lot to offer when it comes to different trails you can walk or hike, ranging in difficulty and length. Learn more about the trails you can try out at https://www.greatparks.org/recreation/trails, https://www.metroparks.org/things-to-do/hiking/ or https://www.metroparks.org/places-to-go/paved-trails/.

Basic Yoga

According to the National Center for Contemporary and Integrative Health, yoga is an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice, but has evolved into a way of promoting physical and mental well-being.

Yoga, which is more than 5,000 years old, is one of the oldest physical disciplines. The Good Body says that Yoga is regularly practiced by more than 36 million Americans and is growing in numbers every year. The National Center for Contemporary and Integrative Health also says that yoga helps improve general wellness by relieving stress, supporting good health habits and improving mental/emotional health, sleep and balance. Looking for something a little different than yoga? Try Thai Chi:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEOS2zoyQw4.

Canoeing or Kayaking on a local river or lake!

Canoeing and kayaking are great options for exercise when the weather is right! Canoeing and kayaking can be low impact activities, meaning that they are less likely to cause wear and tear on your joints, and you can go solo or with a partner or group. Go Paddling states that canoeing and kayaking can burn hundreds of calories an hour and can increase your physical health while decreasing stress!

Zumba

Looking for a workout you can do at home that doesn’t feel like a workout? If so, Zumba might be for you! Zumba is a type of workout that combines Latin and international music with a set of dance moves. It is an aerobic exercise that works to increase cardiovascular health, balance, flexibility and muscle conditioning. Zumba is made for all ages and all shapes and sizes! Anyone who can stand up and dance can participate in Zumba!

Learn a few moves with Zumba Education Specialist Sandra Harnes from Scotland here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiHImRyj8F4. The moves you will learn are based on the four core rhythms featured in Zumba: merengue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton. If you end up liking it, Zumba classes can be found online or may even be offered at your local gym or fitness center!

Or, if you don’t like structured classes or don’t have a set time every week where you can make time to attend one, you can easily just create dance moves to songs you love at home! Even having a dance party with the kids can burn a lot of calories.

Geocaching

Geocaching is the perfect activity for those who love technology and nature! Geocaching is an outdoor adventure game where you use your cell phone and its GPS to find “treasure” hidden outdoors. There are millions of geocaches to find and some are probably near you right now! This activity is accessible and fun for all ages and is free to use!

Biking

Cycling or biking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that has plenty of health benefits! According to Healthline, cycling is a good fitness activity for beginners – and really any fitness level – as it promotes healthy weight management, works out your core muscles and helps ease feelings of anxiety and depression.

Wondering where to start biking? Lucky for you, Cincinnati and Dayton are really big on cycling! View the trails in Cincinnati at https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/bikes/bike-infrastructure/trails/ and in Dayton at https://www.daytoncvb.com/things-to-do/outdoors/cycling/.