by Martin B

Created on: December 20, 2006   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Aerobics! I tried that once. I felt like a hairy grizzly bear in a herd of graceful gazelles. Not much fun. The worst part was the mirrors! So many of them I couldn't help but be reminded of how ungraceful I was for the whole class. Ugh.

So what else is there to get fit, burn calories and tone up?

Millions of things. Literally!

If you are a gym member, try these:

"Aerobic Kickboxing" (sometimes called Tai Bo) - Instead of flailing your arms and legs around in bizarre, complicated routines, Aerobic Kickboxing (or AKB) uses all the punches, kicks, dodges and weaves of kickboxing to give you a really thorough workout. You don't need to look graceful, just be strong!

"Boxing Circuit" - Similar to AKB but using boxing equipment as well. Great for letting out a little extra aggression and can engage your brain as well as your body as you learn technique - and you don't see many unfit boxers do you?

"Pump Class" - This is a weights routine set to music. The repititions are very high, so the weights are relatively low but man, does it burn! Very effective way to tone your whole body.

"Pilates / Yoga" - Based around attaining and holding various difficult positions and mastering strange movements. Tougher than it sounds and usually very different to anything else you might find in a gym.

Don't like gyms? There are so many alternatives it is impossible to list them! Here are some starters though:
* Go swimming. Perfect if you are nursing a sore back or old injuries that mean high-impact exercises like running are not an option.
* Get a pushbike and tour the neighbourhood. See the sights, get some fresh air, enjoy the company of other cyclists and get fit almost without noticing!
* Go for a run. Running is high-impact. Start slow and easy. Build up the distance and the speed slowly and easily. Done correctly, running can be extremely effective at keeping the weight off and is very satisfying to boot...
* Head to the dance floor! Whatever form of dancing takes your fancy. Go learn the Salsa and get sexy. Try Swing just for the fun of it, or just head for the mosh pit and jump up and down!
* Try indoor rockclimbing. Heights! Adrenaline! Achievement! It's all there in indoor climbing - with an added level of safety that means risk of injury is probably lower than on the drive to the climbing centre...
* Find a sport you are interested in - it doesn't have to be the traditional ones - look at volleyball, squash, badminton, lacrosse, hurling, netball, basketball - the options are endless!

The bottom line is, if you don't enjoy a form of exercise you will never stick at it. If you want to be in shape and stay in shape for most of your life, keep searching and trying until you find an activity you really enjoy - that adds to your life. Don't feel like you are "supposed" to like one or two options just because the TV says so. Explore them all!

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