Contents
Play it again sports: Get Fit with These eight Unconventional Sports
When we think of getting fit, we imagine going to the gym, lifting weights and sweating our way through cardio machines.
While those activities are great ways to get in shape, they are not the only options available to us. Check out these eight unconventional sports: play it again sports that can help you stay in shape this summer.
Kayaking
A great way to tone your arms and core, kayaking is a fun activity that can be done alone or with a group.
Visit your local lake for a peaceful afternoon workout, or head to an ocean beach for some fresh air and exercise.
You can find beginner’s guides online; otherwise, if you are feeling up to it, try taking classes from instructors in your area. This form of exercise will help you burn fat while toning your muscles and who doesn’t want that?
Surfing
The thought of standing on a thin board while riding waves under and over 25 feet high may not be appealing, but surfing is a great form of cardio exercise.
When surfing, you are faced with unpredictable variables such as wave size and location that make for an excellent workout challenge.
Surfing will put your endurance to good use because you have to stand upright for long periods, plan ahead when paddling out, and ride waves in ways that vary every time.
Hiking
There is a reason they call it going for a hike. Besides being cost-effective, hiking burns calories and helps relieve stress. And you can do it just about anywhere in North America no pricey gym membership required.
For an even better workout, try a hill climb or incline walk, which is actually more difficult than traditional flat hiking because you have to propel yourself up additional vertical distance.
Boxing
Boxers work on their footwork and strength training. Boxing is also a fun way to burn calories as well as giving you a good cardio workout.
Another added bonus is that when you go to hit something, even if it’s just air, you get some extra satisfaction because of how much stronger your muscles are getting.
For example, boxers who will be fighting professionally will be working out an average of three hours per day six days per week while they are preparing for a fight.
Martial Arts
If you are looking for a total-body workout that will also teach you some practical self-defense skills, give martial arts a try. You will be in great shape and safer in no time.
If you are looking for a total-body workout that will also teach you some practical self-defense skills, give martial arts a try. You will be in great shape and safer in no time.
Plus, it is an activity that many kids and teens enjoy as well, so if you have children or nieces and nephews who want to learn how to defend themselves or take part in an exciting sport together, it can be a win-win situation. Martial arts are great activities for both kids and adults alike.
Cycling
Have you ever heard of spinning? This is a type of indoor cycling that is done on a stationary bike. The workout can be very intense and burns calories like crazy.
In fact, many spin instructors refer to themselves as personal trainers on bikes. You might want to try it out and we recommend checking it out before heading to your local gym.
If there are not any cycling classes available near you, you can purchase an indoor bike and workout at home whenever you want.
Rock Climbing
Climbing is a high-intensity, total-body workout that tones muscles and builds endurance.
It is also a lot of fun. Although it is not an inexpensive hobby, many climbing gyms offer guest passes or introductory classes for first-timers. From there, you can see if you enjoy it enough to invest in some rock shoes and chalk. If so, then rock on.
Bowling
If you are looking for a sport that allows you to burn a lot of calories and get in shape, bowling is your best bet.
A recent study showed that for every 100 calories burned during three hours of bowling, bikers were only able to burn 87.
Bowling also allows you to use some arm muscles, but it does not rely on footwork and lets you sit on your butt while doing so. The stationary position can help those who have problem areas in their knees.
Rollerblading
Although rollerblading is sometimes associated with kids and recreation, it is a great way to get in shape.
If you are worried about safety, try inline skating instead, it requires just as much agility and coordination but without some of the risks associated with traditional rollerblading. Whatever you decide, make sure you wear wrist guards to protect yourself from falls.
Conclusion
Exercising is a vital part of staying fit. Most people are stuck in their ways, doing things they’ve always done and engaging in activities that they’ve always engaged in. This is not how you truly keep yourself fit, but only how you maintain your current fitness level.
If you want to continue being fit and healthy, try these some unconventional sports- Play it again sports. They don’t just push your limits, they completely change your perception of fitness. You might even find something new that sticks around for good!