We all know that sitting around all day isn’t good for us, and these days it can be harder than ever to get up, get out, and get moving. If you’re someone who struggles to make the time for exercise, we get it—it can feel like such a chore. Plus, it’s more difficult to get active when classes and memberships are so expensive.
The good news is you don’t need a fancy exercise regime to get active. We have five tips for creative ways to make getting active fun. This way, you’ll actually want to get up and get moving without worrying about the cost.
Try these five ways to get active easily and affordably now:
1. Roller Skating
In recent years, roller skating has fallen a bit out of fashion, but it’s due for a comeback! It’s a super fun and social way to get moving, and it’s really adaptable too; you can go to a skating rink, glide along a bike path, or skate through a park.
It’s also easy to pick up, and the cost to get going is really minimal. Just pick out a pair of women’s skates that catch your eye, and boom– you’re good to go!
2. Team Sports
When you think about team sports, maybe you have a bad taste in your mouth from high school gym class. But as an adult, it’s much easier to find a local recreational sports league that fits your vibe.
Sports like soccer, ultimate Frisbee, or volleyball can be a ton of fun, especially if you do them with friends, and you’ll get some great cardio in without the urge to glance at your watch every 60 seconds.
Plus, participating in team sports has been shown to have additional beneficial effects on communication skills, times management, and leadership ability.
3. Go For A Hike
If you’re a nature lover, this one is a no-brainer. Hiking is a fantastic way to get some great exercise without feeling like you can’t wait for it to be over. There are additional benefits besides getting your heart rate up, too; being surrounded by nature is good for your mental health, and hiking has been shown to be an effective method of stress relief.
4. Ditch The Elevator, Take The Stairs
This one is an old chestnut, but it’s a cliche for a reason! Don’t take it too literally– the point is that if you start thinking of being active as something you can achieve through a bunch of small choices throughout the day. Instead of setting aside a big chunk of time to exercise, choose to walk up a flight of stairs, work at a standing desk, and walk to the grocery store.
5. Adopt A Dog
This one is a bit of a bonus since it involves a bit more than the previous four, but for those willing to make a life change (especially if you’re already a dog lover), this could be the most fun option of all.
A young dog will have tons of energy it needs to get out, and you’ll have no choice but to get your energy out right alongside it. A long walk in the park, a spirited game of tug-of-war, a trip to the dog run– you’ll be so occupied chasing after your new pup that you won’t even realize how much energy you’re expending until you get home and collapse on the couch!
These ideas are just a starting point, certainly not a comprehensive list. There’s no one magic bullet for having fun while getting your exercise in– the important thing is to do it! Starting can be the hardest part, but once you get it in gear and try a few of these options, odds are you’ll eventually land on something that really works for you.