[Video] 5 Fun Ways to Lose Weight Fast

We're mixing things up a bit this week, and instead of sharing one specific workout, we're exploring 5 different ways to help boost your metabolism and burn fat fast, while having fun at the same time!

If you don't really enjoy going to the gym, and you're not really into doing exercise videos at home either, these 5 fun ways to exercise are great ways to lose weight and stay healthy, all while having a great time! Some are social activities that you can do with friends, and others you can do on your own pretty much wherever you are.

(The girl in the video is a bit goofy, so bear with her for the first minute or so - there really are some super fun ideas here for getting some great exercise without going to a gym.)

Check these out, and incorporate one or two of them into your life this month to see great results without even having to work at it!

Video - Yogalates Workout - Segment 2

Here is Segment 2 of the Yogalates workout we started a couple of weeks ago. Incorporating interesting new forms of exercise such as Yogalates is a great way to stay motivated in your exercise program. This portion would follow the warmup segment. This 20-minute segment demonstrates some excellent and unique exercises for strengthening all the muscles in your core and back, using Pilates breathing and core focus, and incorporating the stretching and lengthening benefits of yoga. Be sure to stay tuned for Segment 3 coming soon!

Yogalates essential pilates workout 2
Programme of yoga / pilates hybrid aimed at shedding your waistline. The flexibility-enhancing benefits of yoga are combined with the toning-centred workout of pilates in a relaxed, meditative workout suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. ww...

Try These Fun Fitness Ideas

It is not vital to enroll at a local gym or build a home gym to improve your health and fitness. There are a lot of fun ways to get in a workout, that you may not have thought of, but which can help you build up cardiovascular conditioning as well as develop your muscular endurance and strength without paying expensive gym membership fees and purchasing loads of exercise equipment. Here are a few ideas to try.

Rollerblading (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1.  Choose an aerobic exercise which you like and can be done outdoors like walking, hiking, running, soccer, tennis, or inline skating. These types of exercise work many different muscle groups in a natural way, and can improve cardiovascular capacity, strength, flexibility, and balance.

2.   Either rent or purchase exercise videos. You can select from many various types of videos. For example, a kickboxing video, yoga workout, or step aerobics. This is less expensive compared to buying exercise machines and going to a gym. Many videos can be found for $10.00 or less, so you can test them out to find what you like without spending a bundle - and you can of course use them over and over. For best results, get a  variety of different workouts and exercise types - this way you can avoid getting bored, work different muscle groups, and switch it up between different intensities and workout durations. I have some videos I like for cardio workouts when I really want to move, and others that are more mellow, such as Pilates and Yoga, as well as short and long workouts to choose from, so I can get a workout in in whatever time I have on a particular day. (Visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html for some of my favorites.)

3.   What about housework? Okay, maybe that's not so "fun," but it's definitely functional - get fit and get the house clean at the same time! Try mowing the lawn using a non electric push mower for a great full-body workout. You can also vacuum your carpets. If there is a snow in your pathways, then shovel it. Carrying things for household chores - e.g. your laundry basket filled with dirty clothes or handbags of groceries is also good. Even these simple household chores can give you some amount of exercise.

4.   Turn on your radio, listen to your favorite dance music (ballroom, hip hop, and more) and get your groove on. This is one of the best ways of working out your body and relieving your stress - and it's tons of fun!

5.   Organize fun outside games with your friends. These can include kickball, football, basketball, soccer, and more. You'll get a great workout without even noticing! Swimming is also a great summer activity that provides a full body workout and is a lot of fun to do with friends and family.

SpeedRope (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6.   Skipping rope is a very inexpensive way to get in some great cardiovascular activity. 

7.   Visit local parks. Sometimes you can find fitness trails which include exercise stations. Often, exercise instructions are provided. Not only will you relieve stress and get in a good workout, but you'll get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at the same time.

Before you start any type of workout, be sure to keep a few things in mind.

1.    Any activity must be started in gradual manner. This is important for warming up your body to adapt to the movements. It is not a one-day task to get a healthy and fit body. Be patient with your fitness regimen. 

2.    If possible, perform physical activity for about thirty minutes each day every week.

3.    Select the right equipment and clothes for your exercise. You should also consider weather conditions. Make sure that you have a backup plan in place in case the weather doesn't cooperate, and you have to move your daily exercise indoors.

4.    Encourage a friend to exercise with you. Not only will this make your routine more enjoyable, but also you will be more likely to stick to your program.

5.    Try cross training. You can alter the length and the type of your exercises to prevent boredom and injuries.

6.    Consult your doctor or health care provider before starting any form of new exercise program - especially if you're out of shape or recovering from an injury.

Visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html for more fun ways to exercise!

Exercise Ideas for Weight Loss

There are all kinds of ways you can work exercise into your life. You can workout anywhere doing all sorts of things.

Playing with children, for example is a great way to get some exercise. When you get down on the floor and play “horsey”, you are giving yourself a heck of a workout – and it is fun for the kids!

Throw a ball around in the backyard and really get into it! Jump on a trampoline, or just play tag! Exercise like this not only give you the physical benefits, it can remind you of the joy of youth and put a real smile on your face!

At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you park in a parking lot, park as far away from the door as possible so you have to walk further.

Use your imagination and you will find ways to exercise almost anywhere!

Image via WikipediaMany people love the idea of being in a gym surrounded by sweaty people who are lifting weights and using the stair-stepping machine. If this is what you like, by all means, get into a gym.

Weight training gives you the opportunity to sculpt your body by pushing your muscles toward working harder than they normally would. You will also boost your metabolism by adding more muscle (muscle fibers burn calories - even at rest!).

We suggest that you get the advice of someone in the gym like the trainer or owner to give you some exercises to start out with. They will be the experts in the field for you and will know what works when you’re just beginning a weight training program. They can also help guide you when it’s time for you to “step up” your regimen.

Aerobics classes are another great way to get a terrific workout. You can find classes like these in many, many places, but mostly in gyms and workout studios. Keep in mind that there will be a fee to take these classes, but it might very well be worth it to have the camaraderie that comes with other people sweating along with you!

We highly recommend looking into taking water aerobics. Exercising in the water has so many benefits. You have less stress and strain on your joints, plus the natural resistance of the water will work your muscles more than if you were taking a class “on land”.

Water aerobics can be done by just about anyone – young and old alike. It’s a great alternative to strength training and you won’t have the problem of excessive sweating that many of us just hate! You’ll get an amazing workout and it’ll be fun too!

Image via WikipediaMany people – the Hollywood elite included – are beginning to advocate Pilates as a very effective weight loss method. This exercise regimen was developed in the early 20th century, but has just now come to global popularity - and it's definitely one of our favorites!

Pilates is more than exercise program, it is based on the principles of many different types of movements. It takes some of its movements from yoga, acrobats, stretching, and more. Plus, Pilates concentrates a lot on the mind as an exercise tool.

We can’t tell you how to do Pilates because it’s so involved, but there are many helpful tools out there that can help you with a Pilates program if you think that the route you want to go. Our favorite Pilates book is The Pilates Body, by Brooke Siler. But you can also look for web sites, videos, and classes in your area. Once you learn the basic movements, you can then practice them on your own!

A Few Good Pilates Resources:
   

Fun Winter Activity Idea - Ice Skating

Image via WikipediaIce skating is a very popular sport that used to only be available in the winter. If you want to skate outdoors on real ice then that is still the only time to enjoy it. However, with advances in technology it is now possible to experience ice skating year-round at an indoor area as well. Special machines are made to add layers of ice that are continually smoothed out so you will always have a terrific surface to glide across.

Special skates are used for ice skating that have sharp blades on the bottom of them. The blades allow the person to be able to glide along the ice at very fast speeds if they desire. The amount of friction that a skater is able to manipulate as they move along the ice will help to determine the speed of movement. It also allows them to remain in complete control of their movements at all times.

Most people find ice skating to be more difficult than roller skating as you have to learn to balance your body differently on them. A great deal of weight is placed on your ankles and legs while ice skating. The more you practice the stronger they will become and as a result you will improve your ice skating skills.

After you master the basic skills of ice skating you will be able to start learning various stunts if you want to. The leaps and twirls that professional ice skaters are able to perform are the result of plenty of practice. You may want to pay for classes with a professional in order to learn the right skills to be able to do such feats during ice skating.

You may find you want to participate in various types of ice skating competitions either on your own or as part of a team. These events take place on a regular basis so you may want to search online to find out what is available. If you are under the direction of a coach they will be able to get you signed up for the right competitions. Always pay close attention to your instructor so you won’t get injured as you ice skate. Don’t be tempted to jump into challenging routines too soon or you will be putting yourself at risk.

Image via WikipediaIf you choose to ice skate out doors you will need to make sure the ice is thick enough to sustain your weight. Serious injuries and even death can occur if someone falls into ice which has cracked due to the weight on top of it. Always pay attention to signs that tell you to stay off the ice. You should never go ice skating alone in case you do need assistance from another party!

Make sure you are dressed warmly while ice skating out doors. You don’t want to suffer from frost bite. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught up in your skates and cause you to fall. The ice at an indoor center is often cool as well so make sure you dress in layers. This way you can be comfortable no matter what the temperature is.

Whether or not you choose to get competitive with it, ice skating can be a really fun and challenging form of exercise, and it's one that your whole family can enjoy. It doesn't have to be strictly a winter activity, but if you are looking for some fun ways to get outside and be active, give this one a try!

Fun Ways to Exercise in Winter

Now that the weather is cooling, and winter is on its way (along with the obligatory holiday feasts of the season), many of us tend to begin packing on the pounds.

It is hard to get motivated to get up and work out on these cold, dark mornings, and depending on where you live, there may not be a lot of options for outdoor activities.

But don’t despair — there are plenty of fun ways to exercise indoors, or even enjoy the outdoors on cold snowy winter days!

Videos and books can be a great source of ideas for indoor activities for all ages. (For some of my favorite recommendations for fast, fun, easy workouts, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.)

Yoga or Pilates-based workouts can provide fun, relaxing stretching, strengthening, and toning moves for a variety of fitness levels, either with or without equipment. More aerobic dance-based workouts can also be a lot of fun, and can get the blood flowing and get you warmed up and feeling great in a hurry — it’s a great way to beat back the winter blues!

The important thing to remember is that in order to keep your fitness level up throughout the winter, you’ve got to not only get moving, but make it a habit (and if you’ve been quite active, you know it’s addictive!). But in order to make it a habit, you have to first make it a priority. You may have to push yourself a bit at first — remember it takes 21-30 days of consistent practice to form a new habit. But once you’ve gotten your body used to moving and grooving, you’ll find you won’t want to stop!

The body needs movement, and it needs it often — lots of it.

It may be hard to fit exercise into your schedule at first, but you will reap a host of benefits that will make the time invested well worth it.

Activity not only raises your body temperature (important on cold winter days!), but it also relieves stress, improves your mood, and strengthens your immune system, so you will be less likely to catch any of the winter-time bugs going around. And with all that’s going around this winter, you really can’t afford NOT to exercise!

Image via WikipediaAnd remember, you don’t have to exhaust yourself, or spend hours of boredom on a treadmill. 30 minutes per day (or sometimes less, if you’re doing the right activities) is enough to be of benefit, and you can break this into segments if you like.

However, if you’re doing something you enjoy, you’ll find the time will fly by anyway!

Besides videos or structured workout routines, here are some other ideas for fun ways to exercise in the winter:

• Swimming: Many gyms or your local “Y” have indoor pools which can be great exercise year-round

• Dance classes: You you can find numerous classes for all different types of dance, from hip-hop to belly-dancing, at many fitness centers or other local venues, often for a quite affordable price. The recent resurgence of popularity in Ballroom and Latin dancing has introduced many to this fun activity — and it’s great exercise! There are many local dance studios in most metropolitan areas, where you can find both group and private classes. (If you live in the Columbus, Ohio area, we recommend Emerald City Ballroom.)

• Depending on the climate where you live, you may also be able to find outdoor winter activities which are great exercise, and fun for the whole family, such as ice skating, or skiing (both cross-country and downhill skiing provide a GREAT workout, as well as the exhilaration of the great outdoors!)

So go ahead, try some of these ideas — mix them up however you like, to find what you enjoy the most. Once you’ve made physical activity a priority for a couple of weeks, you’ll find your body craving it daily, and your enjoyment level increasing, along with your health and well-being.

Have a great winter, be well, and above all else, have fun! (For more fun workout ideas, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.)

Related articles on Fun Ways to Exercise:

• Playcercise: Start Playing Around and Exercise! (lifescript.com)
• Winterize Your Workout (lifescript.com)

New Ideas for Fun Ways to Exercise

Here are a few new articles I found for you this week — I particularly loved the Piano Stairs video – what an awesome idea!

The last one is for kids, but I’m not sure why everyone always emphasizes exercise specifically for kids — you need it JUST as much, as an adult. (And you’re likely to get much less in your daily routine.) Try integrating some of the ideas for kids into your own routine — or even better — do some of them together!

Choosing Exercise – Making it Fun | Podium Sports Journal
The fun theory gets traction from the fabulously effective “Piano Stairs”. This is an encore for this piece in Podium Sports Journal…
Publish Date: 09/22/2010 17:54
http://www.podiumsportsjournal.com/2010/09/22/choosing-exercise-making-it-fun/

Wii Fit- Fills Your Exercise Regime With Fun and Excitement | Care …
Do you find exercising a boring activity? Do you want to remain fit but are never able to follow the exercise plans strictly? Then Wii fit is.…
Publish Date: 09/25/2010 10:07
http://grouped.biz/2010/09/wii-fit-fills-your-exercise-regime-with-fun-and-excitement/

Fun With Brazilian Exercise
Western New York’s smartest news, arts and entertainment. On-line edition now updated daily.
Publish Date: 09/17/2010 16:19
http://artvoice.com/issues/v9n37/health_brazilian_exercise

Fun Physical Activities for Kids: Free Exercise Tips for Children
Fun and free physical activities for kids like tag and tug of war allow children to get exercise, and promote healthy physical and social development.
Publish Date: 08/27/2010 12:01
http://www.suite101.com/content/fun-physical-activities-for-kids-free-exercise-tips-for-children-a279298
For more fun exercise ideas, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.

Related articles on Fun Ways to Exercise:

• 7 Family Exercise Activities (lifescript.com)
• Playcercise: Start Playing Around and Exercise! (lifescript.com)
• Adding “Exercise” to your To Do List (FatManUnleashed.com)
• Did Wii Fit Get Me Into Shape? (brighthub.com)

33 Ideas to Make Exercise Fun

Here is a quick video I found that gives 33 great ideas for fun ways to exercise — there’s bound to be something in here you’ll like, and probably several.

In fact, #21 made me laugh and want to run and go get some!

You might want to save this one for one of those days when you know you need to work out, but nothing seems to appeal to you. Check it out!

33 Ways To Make Exercise Fun
From www.zacking.com If you find exercise boring, than this is a list for you. What we have here are 33 ideas that make exercise fun while still giving you a good workout . We hope that you’ll find at least one that works for you. So let’s begin: 1. …

Related articles on Fun Workout Ideas:

• Become Your Own Personal Trainer (lifescript.com)
• 12 Tips for Getting Regular Exercise — and the Benefits for Happiness and Fitness. (psychologytoday.com)

New Resources on Fun Ways to Exercise

Good morning all!

Hope you are all feeling healthy and happy today, and ready to have fun with your exercise program! (I thought this picture was pretty cute!) Image by elyse patten via Flickr

Here are a few good resources I found to help you get more results AND enjoyment out of your workouts:

Learn The Truth About Abs – Health Guide: How to Make Exercise Fun …
Everybody is different, but for long term success, you must find ways to incorporate exercise into your life that you actually enjoy. If you dread your workouts and think negatively about them, you’re more likely to skip workouts or …
Publish Date: 09/12/2010 13:20
http://losethestomachfat.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-make-exercise-fun-again-if-you.html


48 Fun Ways to Exercise | zen habits
Do lots of different things, and again, focus on having fun, and doing it often. Michelle and Casen’s class, which has created the excellent Kids Read and Ride program, took this advice to heart and came up with 48 Fun Ways to Exercise. …
Publish Date: 12/09/2009 21:01
http://zenhabits.net/48-fun-exercises/

Exercise Ideas for the Easily Bored: Get Motivated with Fun …
With the above tips and ideas, anyone – even those who get bored easily with fitness – can find fun ways to exercise that might even have them looking forward to this important activity every day. Copyright Susie Yakowicz. …
Publish Date: 03/03/2010 13:18
http://www.suite101.com/content/exercise-ideas-for-the-easily-bored-a208745

ChickSpeak » News Archives » 5 Ways to Ensure You’ll Love Exercising
One of the most popular reasons that people abandon an exercise regimen is boredom. Check out these fun and exciting new classes being offered around the country. Finding new ways to exercise each week not only saves you from a routine …
Publish Date: 09/06/2010 8:00
http://chickspeak.com/blog/2010/09/06/5-ways-to-ensure-youll-love-exercising/

Simple Ways to Make Exercise Fun: A Workout Should Never Be Dull
Making exercise fun is the key to sticking with it. Here are five ways to turn fitness into fun.
Publish Date: 01/22/2010 9:14
http://www.suite101.com/content/simple-ways-to-make-exercise-fun-a192378

Welcome to Our New Blog on Fun Ways to Exercise!

Image via WikipediaThis blog on fun ways to exercise is part of our Holistic Living blog network. Here you will find interesting articles, tips, and resources on making sure you get enough physical activity every day to stay healthy at any age — and most importantly, keeping it fun, so that you will enjoy yourself while getting and staying fit!

Topics of interest we will cover include fun options for indoor exercise such as Yoga, Pilates, and dance, ways to enjoy more exercise outdoors, fast and fun workouts for those pressed for time, and related news on new methods of exercise and fitness.

And you can always find other resources on our main website at http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.

Related articles on Fun Ways to Exercise:

• 10 Ways to Make Fitness Fun! (lifescript.com)
• 7 Family Exercise Activities (lifescript.com)
• How to Get Fit When You’re a Couch Potato (dumblittleman.com)