Alternative Forms of Exercise

Exercise does not need to be the traditional stationary bike or treadmill. There are many other forms of exercise and they can be fun, enjoyable and something for you to look forward to. It is better to find a non-traditional form of exercise than not to exercise at all. Below are some ideas of non-tradition forms of exercise. You may be already participating in some of these without even realizing that you are burning calories.

Martial Arts – You do not need to be a black belt to join a class. Learn self-defense moves, balance and enjoy more body awareness. An intense workout can burn off 720 calories in an hour.

Horseback Riding – Love animals? Horseback riding is great for balance, body control, and it is just so much fun to be around such magnificent animals. Horseback riding can help you burn up to 288 calories an hour.

Ice skating – You might not be the next freestyle champion, but remember how much fun it was to ice skate? There is a feeling a gracefulness that just cannot be found off the ice. An hour on the frozen lake or the local ice rink can burn up to 504 calories.

Hiking - Get into the great outdoors and burn up to 432 calories an hour. Spending time in nature is also good relaxation and is a stress-reliever. There are many beautiful hiking trails around the area.

Gardening – Not only can you grow your own healthy food while gardening, you will be burning 324 calories an hour as you dig, weed, plant and harvest. Gardening can also be another therapeutic tool in that quest for stress relief.

Frisbee – When is the last time you picked up a Frisbee? Visit one of the Frisbee Golf courses in the area, or just throw the disc around the backyard and you will be burning 216 calories an hour. Your children, and even the dog will thank you.

Rope jumping – "I like coffee, I like tea, I like Susie to jump with me." Remember all those fun rhymes while jumping rope on the playground? Jump ropes are not just for kids, they are a fantastic way to get exercise and burn 720 calories in an hour.

Snowshoeing – Even though the weather might be frightful, snowshoes will get you around. Strap on a pair and head outside. You can drive a bit and snowshoe in a natural area, or just head into the backyard and around the neighborhood. This is another way to burn 576 calories in an hour and enjoy some fresh winter air.