Your request is being processed... 4 Ways To Get Fit -- While Having Fun!
source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/apr/28/get-fit-have-fun
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You'll never stick to a fitness regime that you don't enjoy. If jogging or the gym don't do it for you, Rachel Platt finds four fun activities that just might
* Life & style
* Fitness
Four ways to get fit - and have fun
You'll never stick to a fitness regime that you don't enjoy. If jogging or the gym don't do it for you, Rachel Platt finds four fun activities that just might
* Rachel Platt
* guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 29 April 2009 12.40 BST
* Article history
I want to be fit, but I never maintain motivation. Gyms end up costing £250 a session as memberships lie unused, aerobics DVDs gather dust, and just one more HobNob gets eaten with that cup of tea. Yet I can cycle for miles in the French countryside, I can swim over an hour to an inaccessible waterfall in an Australian valley, and I can ski almost non-stop for eight hours at a time.
For exercise to work for me, it needs to be seriously fun. Since I can't ski to work, I set out to find an activity I enjoy enough to do more than once. Unbelievably, I found four ...
Fencing
Fencing at the Beijing Olympics Could this be you at London 2012? Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian
Fun factor
I'm not ashamed to admit that I am something of a poser, so dressing up and wielding a sword is always going to be a winner with me. Although my foil (as it's technically called) would be about as useful as a balloon in a real fight, I can't help but hum the theme to Muskahounds and envisage swinging from a chandelier.
Fit factor
The basic stance involves a semi-squat, so my thighs feel the burn within a few minutes. This is what makes fencing a great sport for pre-ski fitness. It's also aerobic as you are constantly lunging forward in attack or beating a hasty retreat.
What does it involve?
After I've been given a brief introduction in fencing footwork and holding the foil we are paired up, shown a couple of moves and let loose. As the only first-timer in the class it's something of a baptism of fire, but the friendly group and assurances from the instructor steady my nerves.
As this is a fitness class we don't go into the rules of fencing, but essentially it is a point scoring game, with 15 points winning a match. As people improve they can take part in organised matches.
Who is it for?
Anyone of any fitness. The fitter you are the better you'll be, but it is possible to start fencing with a very low level of fitness. Like dancing, it's something that would be fun to learn with a partner. I'm sure there's plenty to be said for the benefits of a weekly pain-free punch-up for any long-term relationship.
Where can you do it?
I went to the Factory Fitness and Dance Centre on Hornsey Road, N19, which runs six-week courses for £99
The British Fencing website lists clubs nationwide.
Trampolining
Pupils at Leiston High School trampolining Some schools offer trampolining during PE lessons. Photograph: Graham Turner
Fun factor
I don't remember being scared of the trampoline at school, but it is terrifying. You go really high! And there are no sides! The flipside of this is the exhilaration: you go really high and there are no sides!
Fit factor
According to my instructor, trampolining works every muscle in your body - especially the ones used smiling. Cheesy lines aside, it is highly aerobic and a surprisingly good workout. The skin of the trampoline absorbs most of the impact and so it has all the benefits of a fast-paced jog, with very little strain on joints and muscles.
What does it involve?
We are put into groups of three per trampoline. Our instructor tells me that most accidents happen when people are tired. I should only bounce as long as I feel lively, and rest as I need to. This feels counter-productive at first: as soon as it gets difficult, I stop. But the next day's extremely gratifying all-over-body ache tells me I must have been working something - and hard.
* Life & style
* Fitness
Four ways to get fit - and have fun
You'll never stick to a fitness regime that you don't enjoy. If jogging or the gym don't do it for you, Rachel Platt finds four fun activities that just might
* Rachel Platt
* guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 29 April 2009 12.40 BST
* Article history
I want to be fit, but I never maintain motivation. Gyms end up costing £250 a session as memberships lie unused, aerobics DVDs gather dust, and just one more HobNob gets eaten with that cup of tea. Yet I can cycle for miles in the French countryside, I can swim over an hour to an inaccessible waterfall in an Australian valley, and I can ski almost non-stop for eight hours at a time.
For exercise to work for me, it needs to be seriously fun. Since I can't ski to work, I set out to find an activity I enjoy enough to do more than once. Unbelievably, I found four ...
Fencing
Fencing at the Beijing Olympics Could this be you at London 2012? Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian
Fun factor
I'm not ashamed to admit that I am something of a poser, so dressing up and wielding a sword is always going to be a winner with me. Although my foil (as it's technically called) would be about as useful as a balloon in a real fight, I can't help but hum the theme to Muskahounds and envisage swinging from a chandelier.
Fit factor
The basic stance involves a semi-squat, so my thighs feel the burn within a few minutes. This is what makes fencing a great sport for pre-ski fitness. It's also aerobic as you are constantly lunging forward in attack or beating a hasty retreat.
What does it involve?
After I've been given a brief introduction in fencing footwork and holding the foil we are paired up, shown a couple of moves and let loose. As the only first-timer in the class it's something of a baptism of fire, but the friendly group and assurances from the instructor steady my nerves.
As this is a fitness class we don't go into the rules of fencing, but essentially it is a point scoring game, with 15 points winning a match. As people improve they can take part in organised matches.
Who is it for?
Anyone of any fitness. The fitter you are the better you'll be, but it is possible to start fencing with a very low level of fitness. Like dancing, it's something that would be fun to learn with a partner. I'm sure there's plenty to be said for the benefits of a weekly pain-free punch-up for any long-term relationship.
Where can you do it?
I went to the Factory Fitness and Dance Centre on Hornsey Road, N19, which runs six-week courses for £99
The British Fencing website lists clubs nationwide.
Trampolining
Pupils at Leiston High School trampolining Some schools offer trampolining during PE lessons. Photograph: Graham Turner
Fun factor
I don't remember being scared of the trampoline at school, but it is terrifying. You go really high! And there are no sides! The flipside of this is the exhilaration: you go really high and there are no sides!
Fit factor
According to my instructor, trampolining works every muscle in your body - especially the ones used smiling. Cheesy lines aside, it is highly aerobic and a surprisingly good workout. The skin of the trampoline absorbs most of the impact and so it has all the benefits of a fast-paced jog, with very little strain on joints and muscles.
What does it involve?
We are put into groups of three per trampoline. Our instructor tells me that most accidents happen when people are tired. I should only bounce as long as I feel lively, and rest as I need to. This feels counter-productive at first: as soon as it gets difficult, I stop. But the next day's extremely gratifying all-over-body ache tells me I must have been working something - and hard.
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- groups:
- Health
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- tags:
- Health, Exercise, Fitness Tips
