Hitting the gym isn’t for everyone, and we all need to mix it up once in a while. This is a list of 22 ways to be active outside of the weight room for when you need a little inspiration. This list is organized in alphabetical order, and by no means comprehensive.

Basketball

whether you play in a gym, at the park, or in your driveway, basketball is a fun game. Don’t forget all the other sports!

Bicycling

Biking is convenient because you can it can be your transportation or just for fun. You can bike in the city, around a park or your neighborhood, or through the mountains.

Boxing

Boxing, martial arts, and self-defense training are all ways to add some high impact activity and discipline into your life.

Climbing

Climbing and bouldering outside or in a climbing gym is a lot of fun, and you are guaranteed some sore muscles by the time you are done.

Canoeing

There is nothing quite like being on the water in a canoe. You can play in a lake, paddle down a river, or traverse some rapids if you are feeling adventurous. Canoeing is a pleasant way to spend a day or even take a trip.

Dancing

It can be any kind of dancing! Break dancing, merengue, ballet, modern, bachata, jazz, blues, hip hop, salsa, swing, folk, kizomba, etc. You can do it in a class, in a club, on stage or in your kitchen.

Frisbee

Ultimate or golf, on a team, or with your dog, frisbee is a nice way to have fun outside.

Golfing

This can be spending some time at the driving range, hitting the back nine, or walking all 18 holes.

Games

Games like tag, kick the can, ghost in the graveyard, SPUD, capture the flag, keep away, British bulldog, uncle sam, and red rover. These games are an awesome way to have fun and get kids moving.

Hiking

Whether you have a mountain nearby or just a rugged path through some woods, hiking is a good way to change your environment and challenge yourself.

Ice Skating

Whether you play hockey, figure skate, or just try and skate around the rink without running into anyone or falling, skating is one way you can keep moving in the winter.

Kayaking

Like canoeing, kayaking takes you out onto the water, but it is easier to do alone than canoeing since some are built for one person, you paddle both sides, and they are lighter and more easily maneuverable than most canoes.

Paddle boarding

Paddle boarding is a good option for lakes and some calm rivers. Some people even bring their dogs or do some yoga on their boards if they have enough practice.

Rafting

It may not be something that you can do every day, but it sure is an exhilarating experience.

Running

You can run anywhere and it doesn’t come at a high price. Running doesn’t require a lot of equipment or gear, as long as you have some decent shoes.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding and longboarding are great for more urban areas where there are plenty of paved roads and probably more skate parks. Longboards can also be used as a form of transportation.

Skiing

Skiing includes both downhill and cross country. Skiing can take you to some incredibly beautiful places and give you an endorphin rush all at the same time.

Snowboarding

Another winter sport, snowboarding can involve more tricks, and gives you one more way to mix it up in the winter.

Soccer

All you really need is a ball to have fun playing soccer. You can play on a team or with a friend in your backyard or at the park. don’t forget all the other sports you could play!

Swiming

Swimming is an incredibly fun way to give your whole body a workout. Swimming is low impact so if you are recovering from an injury, swimming is a good option for you, from swimming laps to playing in a lake.

Walking

Walking is great even though it might not feel like you are being that active. You can change your scenery and walk with someone or go alone and clear your head. It doesn’t cost money, and there are lots of places to walk even if it doesn’t happen to be right where you live. Going for a walk will do more than you realize.

Yoga

Yoga can be done in a studio or in your living room. There are many different types of yoga and lots of ways to get access to instruction, including free videos on YouTube. If you are new to yoga though, I would always recommend that you learn in person first so that the instructor is able to correct your form and keep you from injuring yourself.

Please feel free to contact ELLO Holistic Health with questions or to schedule an appointment.