25 Ways to Get Active Aside from Walking
We all love when active living is made accessible to more people. When the pandemic hit and options for physical activity were limited, many people hit the streets and walked their way to their fitness goals, and that’s amazing! For those who love it, all the power to you. However, some of us just don’t want to go on walks anymore. It’s time to find some new ways to move our bodies.
I have compiled a list of 25 new ways for you to get active that are COVID friendly (depending on restrictions). Read below to find out!
Disclaimer: Some of these activities require physical risk. The Student Wellness Centre is not encouraging you to do any activities that may cause you harm. Please practice caution and only partake in the activities which you feel confident to carry out without injury. If you are engaging any options below that are new to you, please consult your doctor first.
Pull up an online tutorial
The internet opens a whole world of fitness tutorials. With the huge variety of cardio, strength training, and flexibility workouts, there is something for everyone. Here’s a few ideas for styles of tutorials you could search for online to get you moving.
1. Boxercise
2. Tai Chi
3. Yoga
4. Pilates
6. Calisthenics/Bodyweight exercises
Play like a kid
Who said that exercise needs to feel like work? To get the physical activity you need, you just have to get your body moving and your heart rate up! These ones each require a little extra explanation.
7. Dancing
Everyone has their favourite songs that make them want to get up and move. Play it aloud or on your headphones and get loose!
8. Hacky sack
Playing with a hacky sack is a lot more complicated than it was when we were kids. There are different options for the fillings and the material for the sack that can change the weight and how you play. The added benefit of getting active with a hacky sack is that you can learn some sweet moves to show off to your friends! Get kickin’.
9. Build a fort
This can be done inside or outside depending on your preference. Moving around couches or gathering materials to build an outdoor fort can help you work up a sweat! If you are building outside, make sure you watch for ticks and other critters.
10. Active video games
I’m not telling you to go out and buy a new game console just to get moving (unless you really want to). However, if you’ve got Wii fit, Just Dance, etc. in the back of your closet, dust it off and have some fun!
11. Hula Hooping
You may not know, but hula hooping is an excellent core and cardio workout, especially if you use a weighted hoop. It may take a while to get the hang of it, but the gains are worth it.
12. Hopscotch
All you need is a few pieces of chalk to channel your inner child. This is a wonderful way to blend your physical activity with creativity while soaking up some sun.
13. Badminton
A fun way to move and a simple socially distanced hang out!
14. Frisbee
And one more! Call up a pal. Make sure to wash your hands before and after!
Learn a new skill
If you need to feel a little more productive and find it difficult to dedicate time to physical activity, it might be worth it to incorporate learning a fun skill into your movement.
15. Rollerblading/Roller-skating
16. Slacklining
17. Disc golf
18. Longboarding/Skateboarding
A few more classics
Maybe you just needed a reminder to get back to the basics. Well here it is!
19. Running
20. Cycling
21. Hiking
A little less conventional
You don’t even have to deviate from your to-do list to incorporate physical activity into your day! Stop putting off those chores and use them to get your blood pumping and break a sweat!
22. Mow the lawn
23. Wash your car
24. Clean your house
25. Gardening
Conclusion
I don’t want to encourage you to spend a fortune to add movement into your routine. There are plenty of cheap or free options to choose from which are just as fun as the those you have to put up some cash for. If you forgot about some active equipment around your house, I hope this served as a reminder to dig it out from the back of your closet or garage and get moving.
Let’s get active!
Written by: Summer Clarke
Physical Activity, Physical Health