There are easier ways to loosen those tight jeans than wearing down the running machine. Look at this list for some inspiration to keep fit by installing some fun and sunshine into your life.
CELEBRITY FITNESS TAPES AREN’T ALWAYS A WASTE OF TIME
My friend at work has started using the new Mel B (of the Spice Girls fame) DVD ‘Totally Fit,’ and found that it’s a great way to exercise, without feeling bashful because there’s that hunk in the gym again. It’s also in the privacy of your own home, and best of all- cheap! The Ministry of Sounds DVDs are also a fun, colourful way to kick-start your heart rate and improve circulation, with an equally sassy soundtrack. The Strictly Come Dancing Latintone DVD teaches you all those sexy salsa moves you’ve always been dying to try, so as an added bonus you tone up those wobbly problem areas.
Try Play.com or Amazon.co.uk for the best prices on these titles.
LEARN FROM THE DUTCH
Take out that neglected mountain bike for a ride and enjoy feeling great and seeing the world in a different light. We all tend to use cars to get from A to B (the tube or bus if you’re in London!) but we should all look to the Netherlands for inspiration. The Dutch cycle everywhere and everyday, come rain or shine, it doesn’t matter. You will probably see more bikes in your lifetime all sat in one place! Cycling is great because it tones the whole body as you’re working hard to constantly keep it moving, but you’re still sitting down, so it’s not as grueling as running and there are always the downhill parts to enjoy!
JOIN A CLASS
This may seem obvious and clichéd but learn from the Sex & The City girls. They tried it all- from yoga to tap dancing, but while some may not be your cup of tea, it’s all about trial and error. You will find something you really enjoy and will stick with it. Ceroc is a very popular dance- a mixture of salsa & jive- although to look at it you wouldn't really call it either! It is a lot of fun and offers an alternative way to keep fit.
Visit to find classes in your area.
GET AN EXERCISE BUDDY
Going to the gym can be a boring and tiresome experience, so why not take along a friend for that all important encouragement? It’s true that we're much more likely to stick to an exercise schedule if we have a partner motivating us to keep going, causing us to not want to disappoint our partner if we give up.
SPICE UP YOUR HOUSWORK
Simple, housework is a great work out. You have to clean anyway, so why not turn it into a semi-workout and reap the benefits? Hoovering, scrubbing and dusting requires quite a bit of lifting, squatting, and walking. Knowing that you’ve house is squeaky clean and you’ve shifted some calories will fill you with a sense of achievement.
ENDS
WORD COUNT: 522
