It’s the New Year: Fun Ways To Get You Back In Shape

It’s 2018 and you know what that means—you’ve likely evaluated what’s working and what’s not in your life. Now it’s time to act. If one of those resolutions was for you to be able to touch your toes—or more importantly see your toes—it’s time to get it in gear. And why make this something to dread? There are plenty of high-energy workouts to fit every person and every personality. Need some tips and tricks to get healthy? Read on for fun ways to get back in shape this New Year. Whether it’s for weight loss, overall health improvement, or peace of mind, it’s important to make your fitness routine be stimulating.

Get Your Bounce On

We all remember the footloose and fancy free way we felt when we were kids, jumping on trampolines for hours at a time. Why not get that whimsical workout back in your life? Whether you install a full trampoline that the whole family can use or you get a personal trampoline for the sake of your sweat seshes, jumping for fun and fitness will put some pep back in that step. The workout world has picked up on this, too, as there are trampoline workout classes popping up everywhere. Hop on the Internet to see if you’ve got some by you.

Get Outside

Far too many people equate getting in shape with rubbing elbows with sweaty people at the gym while trying to get workout equipment from Sammy Sweats-a-Lot and Ken-of-the-Killer-Cologne. There are plenty of ways to get fit in the great outdoors, and it’s good for the psyche, too. Whether you go for long walks, take a hike, get in that beach run, or take a standup paddleboard (SUP) class, outdoor workouts feed the soul.

Dance the Night (and Day) Away

You don’t have to be on a TV show or in a Swayze movie to enjoy a trip around the dance floor. You know what they say—dance like no one is watching all that. No matter what your skill level is, dancing is one of the most entertaining ways to burn calories. Do it on your own, put on a dance show, or take a class. Zumba is a super fun way to shake your moneymaker and, although some skeptics don’t think it’s challenging enough to get a thorough workout, there are plenty of instructors that know how to make this class as high intensity as it gets.

Try Something Unconventional

We can’t reiterate enough the fact that you don’t have to slave away at the gym to get in shape. Now if you enjoy that—more power to you. If not, though, you might want to try thinking outside the fitness box. Hip Hop Yoga? Aquaspinning? Fitwall? Parkour? These are real things and, although mind-blowingly original, they will do the same thing to your body as more traditional workouts—they’ll get you fit. Just stick with it/them!

Hit the Snow

Those who prefer to sit fireside can pass this one over, but if snow, the outdoors, and some brisk temperatures are what make you thrive, try snow sports. From skiing and snowboarding to cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing, these are great ways to get fit and feel invigorated – just don’t forget your helmets for skiing. Skiing and snowboarding are already great workouts, but if you want to add a bit of a challenge to maximize fitness benefits, try telemark skiing. A type of Nordic skiing that releases the heel while only keeping the toes in the bindings, the lunging involved in telemark skiing surely burns extra calories.

Jake Anderson of the Colorado-based company We Buy Houses Denver says that he starts the first few weeks of every year off with some intense mountain time. Whenever he can get off work, he hits the slopes for as long as he can. It not only makes him feel unbelievably fit, but it also clears his mind for when he’s ready to work.

Get Fit with Fido

If your pooch is looking more rotund than athletic, it could be a sign that you should him include him in your plan to get svelte. Whether it’s a long walk, a hike, or a dog-friendly 10K race, time with your dog getting fit is something you’ll value forever.

Getting fit doesn’t have to feel like you’re in the dentist chair. In fact, finding exercises that help you get in shape but that also make you happy will increase your chances of sticking with it.