Stay Fit : Interesting Exercise Ideas For the Uninspired

Whether you’re jumping on the workout train for the first time, or you’ve been at it for years, one thing is certain—you’re going to have those days when you don’t feel super-pumped up to workout.

Don’t freak out. It’s normal. I know that if I do the same old routine three to five times a week, I will eventually get burned out. You know what they say—“Variety is the spice of life.”

It’s also the very thing that can help you stay active and focused on your goals. If you want to stay amped up about burning those calories and shredding those pounds, try mixing up your routine.

Could you use some inspiration? Here are some fun and unique ways to get your workout on.

Hula like You’re in Hawaii

You don’t have to travel to The Aloha State to whittle down that middle. Instead, head to the toy store or your child’s room and grab a hula-hoop.

According to the American Council on Exercise, intermediate-level hula hooping can burn as many calories per minute as step aerobics, boot camp workouts or brisk walking. Not only can hula-hooping help you tone your abs and back, but it can also strengthen balance and flexibility. You can burn between 420 and 600 calories depending on the intensity level, too.

Hike It Up

You don’t have to rough it in the middle of nowhere or eat pine needles and grasshoppers to reconnect with nature. Life gets stressful. Take a break from the noise, fluorescent lights and never-ending emails, and head to the nearest metro park for a hike.

Hiking is a wonderful way to get some cardio and fresh air. It can also help you gain muscle. According to Livestrong, you can burn between 430 and 550 calories per hour depending on your body weight. So grab a walking stick, get a good pair of hiking shoes and hit the trail with some friends. Just avoid feeding the wildlife!

Be a Dancing Machine 

Let’s face it. Riding an exercise bike or walking on a treadmill for an hour is not very exciting.

Sure, you can watch TV or listen to music, but that’s only a temporary fix for boredom. If you prefer your music loud and like to tear da club up, try salsa dancing or a dance aerobics class like Zumba, Masala Bhangra, Jazzercise or Cardio Hip Hop. Line dancing classes are also another great option.

You can find many of these classes at local gyms, community centers or dance studios. So get your groove on, and burn between 400 and 600 calories as you destroy the dance floor.