Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing an exercise program is to find something that interests you and that you enjoy doing. The reason for this seems obvious: If you don't enjoy the activity (no matter how many calories you burn while doing it) the chances are pretty good that you will quit doing it before long. Naturally, you want to spend your time doing something that will improve your health and fitness but you also want to have some fun while you are at it.
Perhaps you have started some activities in the past that you thought might work but they just didn't quite meet your expectations or garner your interest and they were quickly set aside and forgotten. While many people enjoy hitting the gym and spending time on the machines to accomplish their workout goals, others can not bear the thought of doing that regularly to stay in shape. That's fine because there are a lot of options when it comes to finding the right exercise for you. Is it possible that you are one of the thousands of individuals who love to lace up a pair of boxing gloves and work out with a sparring partner or a punching bag?
Maybe cycling is the thing that gets your blood pumping and your heart racing. Does hiking the hills appeal to you? Many people have found the answer to their workout dilemma as they have discovered hiking to be not only body slimming and strengthening but also deeply fulfilling. It is estimated that a whopping 530 calories can be burned in an hour as one maneuvers a trail. That isn't too bad especially when you are enjoying yourself in the process. Hiking is one of the great cardio vascular exercises that help to build endurance and strengthen core muscles (along with thighs, calves, and back). Then, there is the scenery to be enjoyed while hiking which undoubtedly beats watching other sweaty bodies at the gym or some uninspiring television show on the big screen.
The fresh air is another boon to the feeling of well-being that we all desire. One does not have to be in tip top physical shape to start hiking. Much to the contrary, it is something that almost anyone can do. As with most other forms of exercises, it pays to start slowly and work up to a pace that is agreeable to you. The rest will come naturally.
Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in basketball backboards and punching dummies.
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