6 Great Ways to Get Exercise and Have Fun at the Same Time
Not many people enjoy exercise; however, it is a necessary evil if you want to remain healthy and fit. Eating healthy and exercising does not have to be completely unpleasant. There are ways to get fit and have fun while you are doing it as well. Although walking is a great way to exercise, here are some others you may enjoy.
Skating
Ice skating or roller skating are ways to get some great exercise and enjoy time with friends. Getting out there and skating around to the music and spending time with friends will make you forget you are indeed exercising and burning some pretty great calories. The key is distraction.
Hula Hooping
One great way of getting calories burned is hula hooping. It is even more fun if you have others participate and have a contest to see who can keep their hoop up the longest. You will want to invest 
in a hoop that is more substantial than the plastic lightweight one you used to play with as a kid. Then continue to move your hips to the motion of fewer calories.
Skiing
Cold weather activities are always easier for exercise because you don’t feel the heat. Downhill skiing is great for exercise because you are only briefing working muscles down the run and then you get to take a break on the chair lift as you ascend the mountain for another run. Now cross-country skiing is a whole different story. This takes a lot of work and can be pretty tiring, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
Organized Sports
Whenever competition is involved, it seems that people will endure a little pain and exertion. A pick-up game of basketball or a short game of volleyball can be fun and still burns calories at the same time. These types of games can be a great way to keep going, so as to not let the team down!
Swimming
Swimming is a fun activity and burns a great amount of calories due to the pure resistance of being in the water. You can have fun and stay cool while performing exercises in these conditions. Swimming with friends and having short races are also great ways of getting in some much needed calorie burning.
Dancing
Whether it is a night out on the town or it is a workout dance video, dancing as a form of exercise is an incredible way to enjoy yourself, learn some new dance moves for the club, and to burn calories. This can all be done with friends and the songs and the beat will keep you moving for far longer than a regular workout. So, go out and dance the night away.
Any of these ways to get exercise can be fun and challenging, but definitely worth it. Working-out solo can be a bore and can cause you to quit early and not achieve the results you were hoping for. However, incorporating some fun will allow you to work out longer and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
