Fit-spired Fun
It’s that time of year again – daylight hours are fewer and further in between, it’s getting too cold for some of your comfort, round two of midterms and the end of term are setting in, and – in a few weeks – the holiday season begins. It can be really hard to find the motivation to keep fit right now, so I thought we would turn it into a challenge!
Below I’ve set out 9 fun ways to keep fit – one per week left in the calendar year. In whichever order you feel or choose, try one of these activities on that day when it’s just too end-of-yeary and you’re just not feeling your normal (cheerFIT?) routine.
Set a World Record
Did you know that you can set your own world record? Either on your own or with some friends, pick a record from the link below and try to set it/break it!
Challengers: https://challengers.guinnessworldrecords.com/challenges
Try a New Class
Not feeling motivated to work out by yourself at home or at the gym? Try a new class – barre, silks, pole, aquafit – maybe bring a friend? Motivation is mental, not physical; classes take away the work of having to decide what to do, and also provide you with 10 instant new friends to survive with. Note: Some studios offer drop-in classes where you “pay” with a non-perishable food donation for a local food bank – good for your wallet and community!
Hot Yin
If you’re feeling too stressed to workout, you’ll probably find it would help to workout, but maybe the workout needs to be more mindfulness oriented. A hot yin class is a perfect way to gently work your muscles and your flexibility while relaxing your mind. Also, since nobody but the instructor talks in these classes, it’s a great place to escape for 90 minutes.
Football
Football season =/= tv season! Get out with a group of friends or join a pickup game of football at your neighbourhood park or on campus. Playing for fun is a great change, and if you live anywhere there is snow, rest assured that running in a few feet of it is one of the best winter workout’s you’ll ever get!
cheerFIT DVD!
Have you done the cheerFIT DVD? I think this speaks for itself. 35 minutes of Danielle’s peppy, butt-kicking awesomeness – go! Check it out.
Find a Playground
If you have young children or siblings/relatives (or you babysit or are a nanny, etc), you’ve probably played Grounders or another playground equivalent. Playgrounds are a fantastic space for creative and ridiculous play – make it up as you go! Challenge yourself to get from one side to the other without touching the ground!
Find a Trampoline Park
Air parks have become all the rage – and it’s no surprise why! Jump around, maybe hit the tumble track, or try something new! There are airparks with trampoline dodgeball and basketball courts, and trampoline-ball pit areas for any little ones you may have with you. If you’re interested, there just might be a trampoline aerobics session being offered.
Adults Open Gym
Many gymnastics associations hold open gym time for adults one night per week, for new and old gymnasts alike. Go ahead and hit the bars/beam/mat for a couple hours (remember to be safe!).
Geochaching
One of my favourite outdoor activities (outside of traditional winter sports) is geocaching. This is a great way to get out for a walk or hike (and possibly ski or snowshoe, depending on where you go) as you set out to find hidden treasure – just remember to bring a treasure for the next hunter!
Show us your #fitnessfun on Instagram, whatever it looks like – we love seeing you in action!
Your Ambassador,
Brieanne
Brieanne – Canada
Brieanne is a graduate student and community developer from the Great White North (i.e. Canada). Our first Canuck Ambassador, Brieanne is best known for her happy, supportive and high-energy personality, and her ardent belief in the power of ‘(positive) energy hugs’. A fitness enthusiast, she also dances (everywhere, anytime), runs, practices yoga, and spends as much time outdoors as possible. If she’s not sweating it up with CheerFIT, you can find her addressing social inequities and structural violence with(in) various communities or baking away for parties and pleasure alike while blasting Taylor Swift.