Intense workouts burn calories and build muscle, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel like work! Check out these fun ways to get fit.
January 2023. This article is independently written by Shelby Golding. All opinions given are hers. Shelby has been certified as a personal trainer and nutritional specialist since 2007. In 2008, she found her passion for writing about these topics and hasn’t looked back.
Working out is something we should all do, and most of us know it. But it’s easy to get demotivated when your workouts begin to feel like, well, work. Stress sets in, and you need a break, so you pause your fitness routine and stop exercising.
If you choose intense workouts that don’t feel like work, though, you can avoid this cycle and use your routine to release stress instead. Keep reading to find new ways to stay in shape without the work.
Try These Intense Workouts That Don’t Feel Like Work
These intense workouts are sure to burn calories and help you get in shape, but they should feel more like you’re having fun. So, grab your water bottle and keep reading to find the perfect fit.
Dance
Dancing to your favorite songs is tons of fun, and listening to music can positively impact your mood. You don’t need to go to a dance class (you can if you want to!), and you don’t even need to know how to dance.
An intense dance workout can be as easy as putting on an hour’s worth of upbeat music you love and moving your body. Shake your hips, jump around, throw your arms in the air, spin, sway, and let the beat move you. Keep this up for the whole hour and you’re sure to have burned tons of calories.
Your muscles will also be moving in new ways and getting stronger, which will help you burn more calories even when you’re not exercising. If you have kids or pets, they might have fun joining you for your dance workouts, but you can also make this a private activity.
Jumping Rope or Hula Hooping
Did you love playing jump rope as a kid? If so, this one’s for you! Jumping rope burns tons of calories and builds muscle in your legs. It’s sure to leave you winded, but you’ll have fun while you do it. And if jump ropes aren’t your thing, hula hooping offers many of the same benefits while building muscle in your core.
Set a timer for 45-60 minutes, put on some fun music, and play around with your jump rope or hula hoop. You can look up new tricks to try or experiment on your own. Just make sure you stay moving the whole time.
If you like both activities, you might even switch between the two for a more complete workout. For example, you could jump rope for 10 minutes, hula hoop for 20 minutes, repeat each one again, and you’ll have worked out for an hour.
Hiking
If you’re lucky enough to live near hiking trails, this is an excellent way to get in shape. Of course, trails with plenty of inclines are best, but you can hike anywhere and enjoy the calorie burn. And it’s hard to focus on the workout when you’re taking in the beautiful sights around you! Hikes can last anywhere from an hour to all day, depending on the trails you choose.
Hiking can offer a good workout year-round, which means it’s also a good option for the winter. Just make sure you bundle up in a warm jacket, warm socks, winter boots, and gloves. And regardless of what season you’re hiking in, remember to have a backpack with first-aid supplies, a map, and plenty of water.
Hiking is a fun activity that you can get your kids and pets involved with, too. And you’ll explore more of where you live, which can be fun even when you’ve lived somewhere your whole life.
Walking around green belts can be just as engaging for those who don’t live near hiking trails. Stay out for at least an hour, look for areas with incline, and have fun with it!
Swimming, Kayaking, or Paddleboarding
Getting in the water offers several ways to work out while you’re having fun. For example, you might go swimming at your local rec center, kayaking in a nearby river, or paddleboarding at the local lake. And if it’s winter, ice skating is an option, too.
Swimming can take the stress off your joints and relieve chronic pain. Kayaking and paddleboarding are impact-free, which is also great for your joints. And so is ice skating! There are so many ways to have fun while you exercise in or on the water, and they’re great alternatives for people who don’t (or can’t) enjoy hiking, dancing, jumping rope, or hula hooping.
If you’re unsure where to start, look for classes at your local rec center or just walk around in the water at a pool. For those who don’t know how to swim, adult swimming lessons can help you get started with these fun activities while teaching you an essential (and potentially life-saving) skill.
Managing Chronic Pain While You Exercise
If you avoid workouts because of pain, you’ll want to pick something that’s easy enough on your joints. But the beauty of these ideas is that you can scale them to your level. And if you need extra support for your pain, the Kailo Pain Patch can help!
Apply your Kailo Pain Patch near the site of pain and enjoy a deep sigh of relief. It’s designed to relieve pain in seconds and doesn’t involve any oral medication, and you can wear it anywhere.
Scientists theorize that the Kailo Pain Patch works by interfering with your body’s electrical system. In addition, a recent clinical study showed that 83% of patients felt pain relief with Kailo within 5 minutes of using the patch, and 99% of patients felt pain relief within 10 minutes.
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.
