Workouts Can Be Fun!
In current times, it is important to keep your body in optimal health to combat bacteria and viruses, especially the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Although a large number of people are asymptomatic, others tend to have a more difficult time recovering from the virus. There is a consensus among researchers and doctors, that “an increasing number of hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients are overweight”. Dr. Diego Maldonado, a pulmonologist with Cleveland Clinic Florida, said “studies have shown obesity in nearly 40 percent of patients who are hospitalized and need intensive care”. Several things can be done to improve your immune system and get your body in tip-top shape. Small lifestyle changes usually equate to bigger positive changes in a person’s health. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, drinking adequate amounts of water, and exercising all contributes to your overall health. For example, drinking enough water is important because water is found in lymph, a fluid that is part of your immune system. Water also plays a critical role in flushing impurities out of your body and regulating body temperature. Exercise is one way to combat obesity, relieve stress, improve heart and lung function, and increase daily energy. Most people have had to switch up their exercise routine because of the pandemic, but it is beneficial to switch things up to ensure long-term success anyway. This article will take a closer look at various exercises that are fun and family-oriented.
Are You Ready for Some Fun?
Most people start strong working out to lose weight but do not keep it up because their routine is not fun, or too hard for beginners. Exercise does not have to be done in a gym, nor does it have to be painful or boring. The goal is to burn calories, get the heart pumping, and have fun doing it.
Kayaking: There is nothing like spending a day around a body of water and nature, especially when it involves friends, a paddle, and a kayak. Kayaking in a multi-dimensional water sport that uses a small boat called a “kayak” and a double-bladed oar. The kayak sits low in the water and usually only accommodates a single paddler, but tandem kayaks can accommodate two or three people. Kayaking is not a fast calorie burner, but you can burn at least 1000 calories in one day trip of kayaking. A lot of people can benefit from this type of exercise activity. For example, it is low impact which makes it a comfortable exercise for people with joint discomfort. It also strengthens your cardiovascular system and builds the muscles in your shoulders, arms, back, core, and even your legs. Your legs do not propel you, but they help you maneuver the kayak. One of the most interesting aspects of kayaking is that it alleviates stress and anxiety, which is perfect if you are feeling down or anxious.
Hiking A Trail: Hiking can be loads of fun because it incorporates exercise, giving you a chance to get out of the house and breathe in some fresh air. There is nothing like becoming one with nature and doing something positive for your health. Hiking is a versatile activity that can be done alone, or with friends and family. One of the most benefits of hiking is that a person does not have to be mega fit to do it. In fact, most people start hiking to get into shape. For some, it does not feel like exercise at all because of the beautiful views, fresh air, and wildlife. Even if you start on flat terrain, you will build your leg strength and improve your cardio fitness. You will also engage core muscles and improve your balance/ stability. Initially, you may not feel sore abs after an easy hike, but the more challenging the hike, the more you will use your core muscles. Marcus Shapiro, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and owner of Fit for Trips, states “estimates an average 175-pound man can burn roughly 450 calories per hour while hiking a fairly flat terrain”. The exact number of calories burned is based on several factors like body weight, backpack weight, type of hike, and walking pace.
Mountain Biking: This is another cool exercise that can be a fun experience for the whole family. The term “mountain biking” is a bit misleading because it does not have to involve biking on or around a mountain. Mountain biking is riding a mountain bike on any off-road trails, similar to taking a hike, but on a bike. The fresh air, scenic views, and wildlife can make the bike ride adventurous. There are virtually no guidelines for burning calories when it comes to mountain biking. However, you can estimate your calorie usage by looking at several factors such as weight, terrain, and speed. According to an article in "Shape" magazine by Amy Goldhammer, if you are a 145-lb. woman, you will burn about 528 calories per hour mountain biking on the terrain of moderate difficulty. The weight of the mountain bike has to be factored in as well because some bikes are heavier than others.
Sand Volleyball: Playing volleyball in the sand can be a great social activity with friends or family. It is an exceptionally good exercise for getting in shape because the sand will force you to work extra hard. Regular volleyball is known for its intensive cardiovascular workout, but sand volleyball takes everything a step further. The demands of the game and the resistance of the sand court work together to create an intensive, full-body workout. This type of exercise conditions muscles but also improves agility. The number of calories burned averages around 345 for a 190-pound man, playing volleyball in the sand for 30 minutes. The number of calories burned depends on whether the game is non-competitive, and contingent upon how many members are on the team.
Pickleball: This is a paddleball sport that integrates elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court, with a slightly modified tennis net. This activity uses a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, but it can be played as singles or doubles. Pickleball includes more movement than ping pong but fewer wind-sprints than tennis. Pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout! According to one article, it is estimated that for pickleball a “160-pound person can burn 250 calories during 30 minutes of casual play and 350 calories during 30 minutes of aggressive play. A 200-pound person could burn 350 and 475 calories during the same time and play styles, respectively”. Pickleball can be rather intense when played competitively, but less competitive games yield fewer calories burned. Check out the Pickleball Paddles at Wolfe Pickleball.
Hydration and The Berkey Sport Filtered Water Bottle
Proper hydration is essential before engaging in any type of exercise. It is important to not wait until you are thirsty before drinking water, because by then it is already too late. A dry mouth is one of the very last symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration will cause you to lose muscle tone, increase body fat, and make your joints sore. It is important to use a water bottle that is lightweight, but effective at filtering water. The Berkey Sport Filtered Water Bottle is phenomenal because it functions the same as the rest of the Berkey line. It uses the same filtration medium as the larger Black Berkey Elements, which are used in the free-standing gravity-fed systems. Another important feature of this sports bottle is that it leaves all of the nutrients that the body needs when filtering the water. The Sport Berkey bottle has a storage life of 50 years and about 640 refills using municipal tap water. Proper hydration will help you lose weight, exercise easier, and build your immune system. It is important to do everything you can do to ensure that you are in optimal health, so that you can fight off illnesses like COVID-19. Optimal health means maintaining healthy body weight, proper nutrition and hydration, adequate amounts of sleep, and of course exercise. Exercise should not be stuffy, boring, or hard. On another note, it is equally important finding the best water bottle to take water with you for these types of activities. This sports water bottle differs from competitors because it incorporates a filter that purifies water, meaning it eliminates most pathogens, but leave the good stuff. This bottle holds 22 ounces and is BPA free, which only adds to its amazing attributes, placing it above all other water bottles on the market.
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