10 Ways To Exercise

So, if you read yesterday's post, you're probably convinced that exercise is a worthwhile use of your time. But how do you exercise? There's literally hundreds of ways, but here are some good places to start:

1.) Walking.

Sure, it's pretty anticlimactic, but walking is honestly one of the greatest exercises we have available to us. It's easy on the knees, and if you power walk over long distances, you'll be amazed by the calorie burn you're capable of just by this simple exercise.

It's also dirt cheap. An important consideration if you're as broke as I am.

2.) Jogging or Running.

Is walking too tame for you? Then maybe you should try jogging. You'll burn more calories, and feel amazing to boot! Another interesting plus: if you're ever attacked by a knife-wielding madman, you might be able to outrun him.

This is another dirt cheap option on your exercise list.

3.) Strength exercises at home.

Push ups, pull ups, crunches, planks, etc. The list of potential strength exercises you can do from the comfort of your own bedroom is practically endless. Each one is a great way to build strength, and many sustained reps of them are a great means of creating muscular endurance.

This option can get expensive if you decide to use more than your own body as your exercise machine. Pull up bars, dumbbells, and even private bench presses can be purchased to make this option even easier if you want. This can literally be as cheap or as expensive an exercise as you want.

4.) Yoga.

An amazing exercise that improves flexibility and breathing. While I recommend the flexibility, and even recommend that you should use meditation, some warnings: a lot is said of the weight loss and strength training capabilities of yoga. While yoga is truly very healthy for you, less evidence has been found for these effects beyond flexibility and general well-being.

This one isn't as cheap  as the other options. While you can study and train yourself to do yoga with library books, it's a lot easier to sign up for a class or get a DVD. Which involves spending money.

5.) Join a gym.

This one is obvious. You can join a gym and use the facilities there, all dedicated to the very subject you're interested in: exercise! I have a lot of friends who have jumped on this means of exercise.

There is no cheap option for this one. If you want to join a gym, you're going to have to fork over some dough. Sorry.

6.) Swim.

If you have access to a pool, this can be an amazing means of exercise. The risk of injury in the pool is much less than running, cycling, or sports. And it works the muscles of the body to an amazingly thorough degree.

If you already have a pool, this is another free means of exercise. However, if you don't, you'll have to buy one, get a membership to a gym or public pool, or schmooze over someone to let you access one regularly.

7.) Skiing/snowboarding, surfing, or skateboarding.

Wherever you live, there is probably snow, waves, or pavement to shred. These can be a really fun way to get active, and may even make you feel like a kid again!

Not too expensive an option. Unless you feel the need to move somewhere you can catch waves or snow drifts, that is. In which  case, this option might just break your bank.

8.) Playing a sport.

Basketball, baseball, football, tennis, whatever. Any sport that makes you get up and move is a means of exercise and it's well worth the effort. Plus, it can be really fun!

This will be more expensive than just walking, but not quite as expensive as joining a gym...unless you have to join the gym to get regular access to these kinds of facilities. But usually a local park can do just as well.

9.) Bicycling.

As the days get warmer, we're all going to see more people out on the road with their bicycles. And why not? It's a fantastic way to kill two birds with one stone. You're getting to places you want to go, AND burning calories as you get there. What's there to lose in that scenario?

This is one option that is going to cost money. And it can get VERY expensive the deeper you get into it. A good bicycle can cost you close to $1000! But you can buy cheaper ones at your local Walmart to start for around $100. 

10.) Dancing.

Going to your local club, while bad on the calorie intake (beer is a heavy hitter), can be a great way to exercise. The constant movements and sustained exercise you do while dancing is a real calorie eater, and you can have a LOT of fun with this one.

This can be as cheap as listening to your radio from the comfort of your own home to as expensive as signing up for professional training. And there are a lot of things in-between there. Usually there are a few cheap dancing classes at your local community center or gym, and DVDs are prolific. But if you want a free demonstration, you can always google it and watch the YouTube videos.


Whatever way you exercise, it's important that you do it often and safely. Listen to your body as you go, and don't overdo it just to impress anyone or in the name of "health". Injuries are never good for your health, and improper exercising is an accident waiting to happen! Research the safest way to do whatever activity you choose before you do it, and you can minimize these risks.

But, most of all, have fun!

Daily Stats:

 

1. Exercise, stretched, meditated, and worked on writing twice today.
2. Wrote in journal, kept to my budget, and wrote a poem today.
3. Posted on my blog.
4. Made my bed and picked up around my room.