First things first, congratulations on considering including a fitness activity in your routine. Let us get things moving and find a fitness activity you will love doing and give you excellent results.
If a fitness activity fails to interest you or suit your preference or lifestyle, it is hard to keep it up. So here is a guide to help you make the right choice in your fitness pursuit.
Let’s find what works for you as a physical fitness activity, factors to consider while making a pick, and look at some recommendations to help you get started on your
Consider your preference
There are a few factors to consider, such as your schedule, present fitness levels, and access to equipment or guidance. Your preference to do it alone in the comfort of your home, in other indoor settings, or going outside also matters.
Once you are clear about these factors, the following pointers can help you figure out what works best for you.
- Are you self-motivated? Yes? Get the proper guidance and take up any activity your fitness level and physical health allows. You can also consider exercising alone. If you would need a little push, consider the following.
- Think about accountability. Ask yourself whether someone to keep you accountable will help you commit, keep up your fitness activity routine, and perform better. Consider a fitness partner, an accountability buddy, or a personal fitness trainer who can help you stick with your resolve to get fit.
- Is team sports or group fitness activity your thing? Group fitness activities can bring great motivation. You can consider team sports, Zumba, pilates, and more. You get the benefits of building both your health and social circle.
- More than one fitness activity. The more the merrier. Some people have a primary fitness activity and one or a few other activities they indulge in to mix up their routine. It reduces boredom and keeps things interesting. You will work on different muscle groups to improve overall fitness. Studies have shown that doing more than one fitness activity reduces injuries due to strain and stress.
Identifying a fitness activity
The pointers discussed above would have given you an idea of the type of activities you can take up. Here are a few tried and tested fitness activities to make decision-making easier.
1. Cardio and strength training
Cardiovascular exercise (‘cardio’ in short) improves your heart and lung health. These activities prepare your body for high-intensity situations. Cardio fitness activities burn calories, increase endurance, and promote overall well-being. It can include running, cycling, swimming, or even dancing.
Building your body goes beyond burning calories and strengthening the heart and lungs. While cardio exercises build muscles, strength training is a more direct approach.
Strength training involves repetitive movements with resistance, like weights, bands, or body weight. These movements challenge and strengthen muscles. It builds muscle and increases overall strength. Weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance band training fall under this category.
2. HIIT and Functional Training
HIIT (High-intensity interval training) is a relatively new concept. It is a type of cardio routine where exercises are performed in quick succession, short periods of high-intensity and low-intensity recovery exercises, repetitively.
HIIT exercises typically include jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, and squat jumps. It improves cardiovascular fitness, burns calories efficiently, increases endurance, and boosts metabolism.
You can also try functional training. The goal is to enhance your capacity to carry out routine movements and minimize the chance of injury.
Experienced fitness trainers can help you with personalized functional fitness routines to achieve your goals.
3. Yoga
Yoga is a holistic personal fitness activity that focuses on the mind-body connection.
The yoga routines typically include performing and holding a series of postures, appropriate breathing techniques, and meditation practices.
Yoga is a low-impact exercise. It aims to improve flexibility, balance, and overall physical and mental well-being. Yoga can be modified to suit individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities, making it a popular exercise across ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
4. Dance Fitness
You can choose among dance fitness programs like Zumba or Bollywood dance fitness for fitness. Popular forms of dance like salsa, belly dance, or Indian classical dance while not directly dance fitness activities do help in achieving certain fitness goals like flexibility, balance, and improving strength to an extent.
Further, they also offer an opportunity to learn a new skill and socialize with others.
5. Pilates
Pilates is a fitness activity to build core strength, improve posture, and increase flexibility. It can include exercises using just your body and equipment-based routines such as mat work, reformer work, and more.
The routines emphasize controlled, slow, and smooth movements maintaining proper form to build your core strength and overall wellness.
6. Team sports
Team sports such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball are excellent ways to pursue fitness. Practicing a sport can prove a fun way to stay active and improve your fitness levels. They can also be a great way to socialize and meet new people.
You may also take up cardio or strength training in addition to sports to see transferable benefits and quicker results.
7. Martial Arts and combat sports
Take your pick from Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, boxing and kickboxing, or other forms. They are all excellent ways to pursue fitness. As you improve your strength, flexibility, and overall fitness levels you also learn self-defense skills.
All these trainings also include strength and cardio work to improve your performance.
8. Outdoor fitness
If you love the outdoors and some adventure, pick up an outdoor fitness activity. Outdoor fitness includes hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more.
These activities give you an excellent workout and allow you to enjoy nature and explore less-trodden paths.
9. Aqua fitness
It is a broad category that includes water-based activities like swimming and water aerobics. Aqua fitness activities are low-impact exercises aimed to improve overall fitness levels and provide a fun and refreshing workout.
There are many different fitness activities to choose from, each with its unique benefits. There is something for everyone based on interests, goals, abilities, and preferences.
Whether you are looking to improve your cardiovascular health, build strength, increase flexibility, or reduce stress, there is a fitness activity that is perfect for you.
We recommend you consult a health professional before starting any new physical activity, especially if you have any health issues.
If you are looking to join fitness classes in Dubai, look no further.
At PursueIt we offer a variety of fitness classes led by experienced instructors. You can take group classes or hire a private fitness instructor. Get in touch to learn more.
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