7 Fitness Experiences Every Woman (or man) Should Try
Venture out of your comfort zone a little and try something new to get your heart rate up.
Sarah Jio, Glamour
MSN.com
We asked Jessica Matthews, M.S., a personal trainer and continuing education coordinator for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), to share the top seven fitness experiences we all should try before we die. Here are her answers:
Take a yoga class.
Yoga is a non-competitive, non-judgmental practice that focuses on the connection between mind and body. Yoga provides numerous physical benefits, like increased muscle strength and endurance, and improved balance and flexibility. The deep mindful breathing that is used in yoga improves lung capacity, dramatically reduces emotional and nervous anxiety, promoting relaxation, and also leads to improved body awareness. Yoga also provides numerous psychological benefits, such as improved mood and concentration, as well as an increased sense of self-acceptance. (P.S. Would you dare to try naked yoga?)
Work with a personal trainer.
A personal trainer (check out this past VG post about mean trainers vs. nice trainers) can provide you with a safe and effective exercise program designed to meet your specific fitness goals. Utilizing an individualized approach to exercise, a personal trainer will assess your current fitness level, educate you on health and fitness, and develop, guide and motivate you through a comprehensive fitness program that meets your individual goals and needs and sets you up for success.
Sign up for a fitness boot camp class.
Boot camp workouts continue to gain popularity as they provide a total-body workout that’s varied, fun and challenging. You can burn up to 600 calories during a boot camp session, which is a great option for weight loss. In addition to a great cardiovascular workout, muscles are strengthened through high- and low-intensity exercises like push-ups, squats and lunges. Exercising in a group also provides great social benefit, which for some may make your workout more enjoyable.
Take a hike.
Hiking is a fun, inexpensive way to get physically and mentally fit, while getting out and enjoying the beauty of nature. Hiking helps prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure, as well as sheds extra pounds and improves overall physical health, well being, and longevity. Hiking also improves mood, reduces tension and improves overall mental health. The fresh air and beautiful scenery make hiking enjoyable and peaceful, and whether you choose a local trail near your home or set your sights on something bigger like Mount Whitney (the highest summit in the continental U.S.), the view from the top is sure to be both amazing and memorable.
Go kayaking.
Whether on a lake, river or ocean, kayaking allows you to connect with nature while improving your fitness. Kayaking, as well as other water sports such as whitewater rafting and canoeing, are low impact activities that improve cardiovascular fitness and increase muscle strength in the upper body, the torso and the legs from the continuous paddling/rowing motion.
Complete a race.
No matter the distance or how you complete the race (running, walking, rollerblading, cycling, swimming, etc), finishing a race gives you a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment like no other. For many women, signing up for a race provides the incentive and motivation to adopt a regular exercise program and healthier eating habits. Telling your friends or loved ones that you’re registered for a race will give you additional encouragement and support, which may increase your motivation to commit to giving 100% not only on race day, but also in your training.
Hit the slopes.
Skiing (cross-country and downhill) and snowboarding are great fitness options that allow you to stay active and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the outdoors during the winter months. Cross-country skiing is an excellent aerobic activity that keeps the heart rate up and strengthens muscles all over your entire body, all while putting minimal stress on the joints. Downhill skiing and snowboarding also improve muscle strength, balance and coordination - all while you enjoy the incredible views from the top of the mountain, and the excitement and thrill of gliding down the slopes.
No comments:
Post a Comment