Fun Ways to Exercise -Suggestions?-

[melaangus]

I am a woman in my late twenties and I suffer from back problems, so I can't always exercise and certain exercises I avoid because of my back.

I like to do fun things as far as exercise, and I like to involve either a good friend or my dog. I go on walks with my dog every day (and occasionally go on hikes or play with her as my exercise, like playing catch at the beach or the park). I like to occasionally play soccer with a friend, but I don't think I can join any teams.

Does anyone have fun things to do to exercise? I like to mix things up. Anything that can involve my doggy, too, would be great as she needs her daily exercise, too!

[wookietim]

Don't laugh at me but I still use Wii Fit on the Wii U on a daily basis... It's fun. I can do the normal workout stuff (Running, push ups, sit ups, etc...) but whenever I get bored I can add in a minigame to distract me. And I am pretty sure that at this point you can pick up a Wii U + Wii Fit U and everything else for less than $100 (It wasn't that popular of a game system).

Other things... Go for a walk with a friend. Or not, if you are anywhere on the northeast right now since it is seriously chilly out. 

I've tried gyms but I have to say... they are not fun for me. I am self conscious in them, everyone else looks like they are in way better shape than me and know what they are doing and I end up feeling like cletus the slack jawed yokel in them...

[MagsOnTheBeach]

I find that some videos on youtube are really fun - specifically The Body Coach TV- he has some low impact ones and they all kill me.  HIIT keeps me interested.  I also like kettlebells.  I like feeling stronger.  Other than that i love hiking and running.  I suppose if I could do an actual sport, pickleball looks fun.

[Nanner]

Try some Leslie Sansone DVDs.

[emili]

my daughter gets bored with exercise too, but she loves to dance. So either her friends and her will have a dance off in the dorm or they go to all the Zumba classes they can find on campus. It is great exercise and a pretty awesome way to rack up steps.

[DanielleinDC]

I have ClassPass, which enables me to take a variety of classes. Right now, my favorite is a Pilates Reformer class. It's largely lying down on your back or your side on a machine, which provides resistance but is also very gentle. I come out of class feeling exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. Yoga might also be good for you. Just let the instructor know of your issues, and s/he'll show you how to modify the exercises. I have heard of yoga classes you can take with your dog. You might want to look into that. 

[WendyB]

I agree Leslie Sansone. You tube

[DanielleinDC]

There are so many walking videos out there by a variety of fitness experts. I like Jessica Smith; she really challenges me. In many of her videos, she has her sidekick, a French Bulldog named Peanut, in the background.

I also discovered a British fitness YouTuber named Lucy Wyndham-Read. She doesn't have music in the background, so you can play your own if you want. Her walking videos alternate 30 seconds of walking with 30 seconds of a toning move, so they're also fairly challenging. The only thing I don't like is that she's constantly selling her stuff.

There's also Ellen Barrett, but I wasn't a fan of her style.