The repetitive nature of running or going round the gym circuit is definitely not for everyone. Once you start seeing it as a chore, you’re far more likely to give up. If you’re the kind of person who wants to have fun and be excited when working out, then one of the following three activities could be just what you need.
Roller Skating
You don’t have to be a child or a teenage boy to enjoy roller skating. In fact, all-girl roller derby is an up and coming sport in many places, with a focus on speed, power and just a little bit of theatre. If you’re just starting out however, then all you need are some skates and some safety gear, which you can get here, and you can get out on the streets. Build up your skills, and then you can give things a go at your local skate park. Roller skating is a good cardio workout, and can really tone your legs and abs.
Skateboarding
There’s no question that skateboarding is more difficult than roller skating, but it doesn’t take long to become proficient. Tricks are exciting to learn, and with increasing difficulty, you can be sure that you’ll never get bored trying to learn something new. As with skating, skateboarding is beneficial as a cardio exercise, but the explosive nature of some tricks can help strengthen muscles too. Core strength and balance will also be improved with regular use of a board. As with roller skating, it’s very important to keep yourself safe by wearing the necessary safety gear, which includes at the very least a helmet, but should also include things like knee and elbow pads. Grazed skin is pretty painful, but blows to the head can be dangerous.
Ice Skating
Forget visions of cutesy couples gently circling round the pop-up Christmas ice rink. Real ice skating can be done all year round at one of the many indoor rinks. Skating like this is fast and furious, and you need a real head for speed if you’re going to get anything out of it. Your legs and abs will really be tested as you maintain your balance on the slippery ice. Figure skating is an option for those who like the idea, but beware that this is so much more demanding than regular dancing; it may look pretty and theatrical, but it’s an intense physical workout.