Most people who are serious about staying fit have a routine they follow. Typically,this involves some combination of weight training to gain strength and build muscles and an aerobic exercise to increase stamina. There is nothing wrong with following this type of routine,but over time,it can become a bit repetitive.
When a training regimen begins to feel repetitive,you may start to lose motivation to stick with your routine. This ultimately could lead to you not working out as often as you have in the past. Routine regimens can also lead to a fitness plateau. Once this occurs,it is only a matter of time before you find you aren’t as fit as you once were.
The best way to prevent all this is to add a little fun to your training. Don’t be afraid to shake things up. The following are some fun ways to shake up your exercise routine while still getting a workout.
1. Take up a Team Sport Like Futsal
Team sports are a great way to challenge other aspects of your fitness through varied movement as well as taking on critical thinking and team building skills. One team sport that is becoming increasingly popular is futsal.
The first thing most people say when they hear Futsal is, “don’t you mean football?” Playing futsal in an indoor stadium could be considered a variation of five-a-side football. However, the main difference is that it is played on a hard court that is smaller than a regulation football pitch. It also uses a harder, smaller ball that bounces less. The pitch is roughly the same size as a team handball court, and the four outfield players and a goalie are constantly sprinting back and forth.
This sport emphasizes creativity, improvisation,and technique through passing and ball control. With more goals per game than in an American football match, futsal is not only fun to play but it also is a different way to get some aerobic activity in.
2. Conquer Those Obstacle Courses
While running is a great way to stay in shape,some people find it a bit boring. A great way to transform running into a fun and challenging activity is to participate in competitive obstacle courses. Races like Tough Mudder, Spartan Race or the Warrior Dash are all events that combine running various distances with grueling obstacles that make you use almost allyour muscle groups.
Some races allow teams to compete while others are for individuals. However, they all will test your physical and mental toughness. Due to the difficulty of completing many of the courses,some events don’t give trophies to those who win. Instead they consider simply finishing the course equal to winning, regardless of the time it takes.
3. Aim High with Indoor Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is possibly the most demanding physical activity there is. While it can be done outdoors,starting off at an indoor climbing gym is the safer choice. This is a sport that requires flexibility, strength, excellent cardio,and mental strength.
Climbing requires immense upper body strength,but your core and legs must be strong as well in order to help you stay balanced. With different muscle groups being engaged in different ways,you are kept guessing which muscles will be needed with every new handhold. Climbing also keeps you mentally focused as you will have to determine the best route to the top while making decisions and solving problems on the fly.
Staying in shape is difficult enough without having to combat any boredom that can occur by repeating the same exercises for every workout. Shaking up your exercise routine with new activities that push you in different ways you will ensure that your body and mind will stay strong while having fun.