Many of us are hesitant to get into an exercise routine. We can make every excuse in the world, such as not having enough time, being tired, being too overwhelmed … the list is endless.
On top of how busy we are,a lot of us have this false idea that exercise isn’t fun and that it has to be this strict, regimented time at the local gym that we drudge through with a frown.
That is just not the case!
There is good news for those of us who find exercise boring or daunting.
Burning calories can be really fun. In fact, it doesn’t have to be EXERCISE at all.
You can burn calories while enjoying your favorite hobbies. In other words… you can do things you love, either around the house, in nature, or in a group class and have it count as your daily exercise.
That’s a win-win situation!
Most of us know that exercise is super important for living a long and healthy life, but it goes far deeper than that. Exercise lowers your risk that you’ll develop heart disease or high blood pressure. Regularly moving also promotes better sleep, decreases the risk of depression and anxiety, and helps improve your overall quality of life.
It can help prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, strokes, cancer… the list goes on and on. Exercise also improves muscle tone, builds strength, and helps with weight loss and increasing lung capacity.
And it improves mood and boosts energy. So what’s not to love?!
Step Away from the TV
If you’d love to incorporate exercise into your week, instead of spending another hour in front of the TV with your calorie-laden snacks, there are a lot of hobbies you can do instead!
In the same amount of time as your second favorite TV show, you could burn more than 100 calories, get some physical activity in, and be on your way to losing weight for good.
If you need guidance for fitness and nutrition (as most of us do!), your best resource is your own weight loss coach who can be there with you, every step of the way.
Hobbies that Burn Calories
Gardening: Believe it or not, tending to your garden or landscape can burn up to 400 calories per hour. That’s as much as a moderate jog! If you have flowers to plant, weeds to pull, or a lawn to mow, you are on your way to the body of your dreams, already. All you need to do is pick up your gardening tools or lawn-trimming tools and you will be getting some great aerobic exercise that will leave you feeling refreshed and uplifted. Did you know bending and then standing to do yard work is like doing 100 squats!
Zumba: Do you have 30 minutes to spare? Well, then you have time to dance off the pounds in your very own living room (or at your local YMCA) with a fun and fast-paced Zumba dance class. Zumba is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your girlfriends, incorporate some sultry moves into your dance skills, boost your fat loss and get that high-intensity cardio your body craves and deserves! See, there is such a thing as FUN weight loss exercise!
Walk Your Pup: What better way to get your exercise in than to walk Fluffy to the park or on a local trail? There are apps that will tell you how many calories you burned walking. Even just going around the block can burn 100 calories, but why stop there? Bring a ball or some toys and make it a playdate. Bonding with your pup is good for your mood and your heart health, and will help you achieve a healthy body weight while actually having fun. You won’t even remember you’re getting a workout in, you’ll be so caught up in the moment. If you feel like really challenging yourself, you can stop and do some jumping jacks or push-ups to really up the ante. Just remember to keep drinking water and to put in at least 25 minutes.
Water Sports:Who doesn’t love the beach, or a day at the pool?! There is nothing better for the human body than soaking up Vitamin D and taking in the beauty of nature. Surfing, swimming, windsurfing, boogie boarding… these are all excellent ways to burn calories while getting in some strength training and cardio, as well. In fact, swimming is one of the most calorie-burning exercises. Even if all you can begin with is a few laps and leg kicks, you are still getting a great cardio workout and improving your mood, circulation, and overall health. Just remember to wear your sunscreen and keep drinking enough water to stay well hydrated! The sun can be very draining! 
Hiking: If you love the outdoors, you know there’s no better exercise than hitting the trails or taking a road trip for a beautiful mountain hike. Putting in a couple of miles (or a day) away from the hustle and bustle of the city is a great way to exercise. Hiking is another hobby than can burn more than 400 calories an hour. It provides an excellent cardio workout and is great for fat loss, plus strength and muscle building. If you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere that has the landscape for hiking, you have everything you need to get your body moving and get the optimal amount of time in nature. My favorite place to hike is right outside my door. No matter where I am, it gives me the chance to see the area in a whole new way and not through a windshield.
Cycling: You probably knew that it would be a great idea to dust off your bike that’s been sitting in the garage for a while now. Did you know that cycling burns about 450 calories an hour? You don’t even have to go that fast to get aerobic exercise on your bike. Going at a moderate pace of 10-12 MPH is all that you need, and you’ll be taking in the beauty of your neighborhood or town while clearing your head, too. The amount of time you spend on your bike is up to you, just be sure you’re getting at least 3 sessions of about 30 minutes in, per week, and you’ve hit your exercise goal for restarting your fitness journey. Bring your hubby or a friend for some company; the more the merrier! 
Wait There’s More!
Our LadyBosses have all kinds of hobbies that burn calories! We have postpartum moms that are training for (and kicking butt in) 5Ks, weight lifting, horseback riding, paddle-boarding, ice skating, roller skating, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, pole-dancing, even boating… the list is endless!
Have you forgotten about a past hobby you loved as a kid?
TIP: Think back to when you were a kid and make a list of activities you loved, then try them on for size!
Don’t let life get in the way of your fun. There are so many fun activities that burn calories. You can and should make time for things that light your heart (and metabolism) on fire! Want to make it even better? Create your own soundtrack to keep you moving.
Do Something You Love
Finding fun ways to stay fit doesn’t have to be expensive, difficult, or boring. It’s all about burning calories doing activities you already enjoy or know that you would enjoy, and you’re halfway there. Always remember to smile, stay hydrated, and love your body as you move, and you will be reaching your health and fitness goals in no time.
Now go have some FUN exercising!
Need more help and support? Apply now for your own personal weight loss coach.
