(Collaborative post) Not everybody likes the idea of going to the gym. Working out in front of others with parts jiggling and sweat pouring from every orifice for all to see isn’t appealing to everyone. Doing exercise you don’t enjoy makes it a chore. It becomes tedious and something that you’ll more than likely try to put off. There are so many different types of exercise we can be doing and not all involve working out in a gym. Here we look at Alternative Forms Of Exercise that you might find appealing.
Alternative Forms Of Exercise
Climbing
Climbing is a different yet fun form of exercise. It’s grown in popularity over recent years and resulted in a number of places now housing permanent climbing walls. This form of exercise is great for both adults and children. They strengthen hands, arms, shoulders, the upper and lower back, and the core as well as the legs. Basically, every muscle group gets a workout. It also helps develop endurance and stamina. This activity can result in a similar number of calories as high-intensity spinning or resistance classes being burnt off.
Skateboarding
It’s not a very common way to exercise, but when you break it down, it relies on developing a strong core to support your balance and weight management. Skateboarding relies on practising movements repetitively to develop muscle memory. It’s also an amazing cardio workout. Many children and teens enjoy this sport but it’s not limited to them. It’s also a sport that can be taken up in adulthood. Companies like Spitfire wheels have a good range of boards to choose from.
Dancing
Dancing of various types will work a good range of muscles. The more active types of dancing like salsa can help burn off excess calories. You could be looking at around 5-10 calories a minute. It works out the whole body especially the core, and the legs. You’ll need to partner up on this one so either take a friend or go to meet new people. Either way, it’s a fun way to work out.
Basketball
Playing basketball is a great form of cardio. Basketball, like tennis and climbing, requires a lot of dynamic and anaerobic movements. It’s a fun interactive way to get fit and can be quite motivating too. You play as a team so are less likely to skip a session without a good reason so as not to let the rest of the players down.
Pin It!
Martial Arts
Martial arts are an all-body exercise that have useful applications in the real world. You could go on Krav Maga classes that will not only give you a great workout they will also give you skills to defend yourself if needed. Walking home in the dark on our own can be intimidating. Martial arts gives you the skills and confidence to deal with situations quickly and effectively.
Summary
Exercise is great for your mental health but not everybody likes the idea of being in a smelly gym sweating and getting into unflattering positions in front of others. Some yearn for something different and a bit more exciting. These suggestions are just some of the exercise options you could consider if you are looking for a different form of exercise.
Which of the Alternative Forms of Exercise mentioned here would you like to try/do most?
Enjoyed this Post?
Subscribe to Melanie’s Fab Finds RSS feed to see my latest posts. Emails will include recipes, reviews etc. and as a result, you will hear about my new posts and competitions first!
Watch our fab product reviews on YouTube x
Discover more from Melanie's Fab Finds
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
We do a few of these things already. I never thought of them as exercise, since they are fun. But you’re absolutely right!
It should be fun. That way you want to do it.
thanks for this alternative exercise forms of sharing here, I’m inspired to explore martial arts after my read here
cheers, sienny x
Martial arts are a great way to exercise. I found I did a really good workout when I did them years back.
I do think dancing is a good one as you can be silly and have a laugh without realising how much you may be working out. I went axe throwing last weekend and that was good exercise holding and throwing heavy things, bending to pick it up etc. I was knackered afterwards x
Oh wow, axe throwing sounds like good fun. I’d try that!!!!
I love dancing as an alternate form of exercise. The other forms you list are good exercise — just not anything I have really done before. I need to dance more@
Good post!
Thanks Dominique. I think we should all do it more, it is fun and can be free too x
I’ve been climbing a lot, it is such an amazing sport, i love it! It is fun and a good exercise.
Climbing is good fun. My children love to climb when they get the chance.
Some great ideas here on how to keep fit and exercise. I find that I don’t enjoy running but love to dance or do other activities such as yoga or zumba to keep fit instead
Zumba is really popular. You can burn loads of calories in those classes.
I love skateboarding and it can be an exercise for our feet. I didn’t a lot of climbing but will definitely do it for having a variety of excersies. Thank you for sharing!!
A variety can be good fun. It makes it a bit more interesting rather than the same thing that can become tedious with time.
I’ve always wanted to take dance class…it’s such a fun way to enjoy exercise and get moving! Great suggestions here.
Thanks Catherine. Classes can be good fun whether in person or online. We tend to just put music on and the kids and I just dance about. it’s good fun either way x
I have been getting into dancing more now that I am older. I can try a choreographed dance or just turn on music and dance around my house. Either way, I am moving my body and having a blast while doing it.
It sounds like you have a great time and get plenty of exercise too.
I love dancing, I feel that I get my heart going while having fun and without thinking I am excercising
Me too, it’s a great form of exercise.
Dancing is my go-to exercise. I dance every day because I love it. Just Dance tutorials on Youtube are my thing!
Dancing is a fab form of exercise and sooooo much fun x
I feel like I am seeing more and more people skateboarding and roller skating. It’s something that seems to be coming back into style – makes me curious, as I’ve never actually skateboarded or roller skated as an adult!
I know, I saw someone skateboarding just yesterday. It seems to have made a comeback.
I agree with this. Personally, my favourite on the list is dancing. Oh, you forgot to add hiking too. That’s also an alternative.
I would be a person who will go for dancing and martial arts. I am not an outdoor person when it comes to exercise. I hope I can start getting Muay Thai lessons sooner than later.
Must try this alternative exercise for my work out.
Did someone say dancing? I do enjoy doing all sorts of alternative forms of exercise. My favourites are walking, hiking and dancing or just an impromptu day of sporting activities with friends.
There are some really good and fun suggestions here for sure. I like climbing for sure in particular ice climbing x
I took up climbing last year and I love it! It is so much fun! My body literally aches after sessions even though it doesn’t feel like much when you actually do it. Having a clear goal also shifts your mind from your body
It is great as exercise and many enjoy climbing too.
These are great ideas to exercise. I am also not a fan of going to the gym but sports like football and basketball are fun activities for me. 🙂
Definitely so many different ways to get exercise without traditional exercise. Gardening is one most people overlook. I can rack up a good sweat gardening at the weekend!
These are really cool alternative of doing exercises. I would like to try few of them like climbing.
It’s a fun way to exercise! This is thrilling!
Better try these alternative exercises.
Before Covid we used to go climbing at a climbing centre quite regularly. It is such a fun and challenging form of exercise – great for the body and mind!
I love these ideas! I need to work out more, but I always find it so boring. These are great ways to get active. Maybe I’ll try skateboarding.
I love the idea of martial arts to get in shape and keep things interesting! I’ve been doing the same thing for so long that it’s getting SUPER boring.
It can be a fun way and you forget you are exercising when you do it!
This is an insightful post on alternative forms of exercise! Thanks for the fun and effective ways to keep your body moving and stay healthy.
Thanks so much for visiting