17 Activities That Are Not Exercise (BUT ACTUALLY ARE)

Whether you’re trying to get back into a regular exercise regimen or working out at home is as usual to you as watching Netflix before bed and living in pajamas all the time, there are those days when we just don’t feel like it. You are aware of those days when there are numerous justifications for skipping the gym (the dishes are piling up in the sink, your Hulu free trial is almost over, your favorite sports bra is in the dirty laundry, etc.). No matter what justifications we use, maintaining an exercise schedule occasionally seems hard since we simply don’t feel like it (it’s like our bodies’ “because I said so” defense). And guess what? It’s alright.

When you don’t feel like working out, pay attention to your body to figure out why, and then come up with a plan to keep moving. Here are 15 movies that will convince you otherwise, regardless of whether you feel pressed for time, are tired of your routine exercise, or both.

Swimming is a great workout, but you are not required to swim laps in order to reap its health advantages. Splashing around, attempting underwater handstands, and performing cannonballs will give you a ton of workout without you even realizing it.

Hiking – If you ever have a free day on the weekend and don’t feel like going to the gym, get some friends (or grab your dog) and go on a trek. You’ll also burn some calories while taking in some very amazing views and fresh air. To add to the fun, I prefer to bring a picnic.

Dancing – Although it’s a great aerobic exercise, dancing rarely feels like exercise (unless you’re doing Zumba, which I find to be plain bizarre) — it’s just fun.

Go for a stroll – Don’t feel like working out? Instead, take a long walk. Even whether you’re feeling sluggish, your muscles are sore, or you just need to clear your thoughts, walking is one of the finest methods to begin moving. I really enjoy using walking as a mode of transportation when exploring a new city because it allows you to see much more than you can from a car and is an excellent way to learn about the local way of life.

I recently started practicing adult gymnastics for the first time in over 20 years, and I can honestly say that I’ve never had so much pleasure playing a sport. Even though it’s an excellent type of exercise, I never consider it to be exercise because it’s tough, humbling, and just plain enjoyable. Every class I attend ends with me feeling worn out but with a big smile on my face.

Play video games – There are many active video games available today, with Dance Revolution, Wii Sports, and Wii Fit being just a few of the alternatives. You’ll feel a little ridiculous at first, but you’ll have a lot more fun than if you just sat around for hours on end, so gather some friends up and engage in an active video game competition!

Play at a playground with your child (or niece or nephew) – Playgrounds are fantastic because, unlike, say, most gyms, they not only contain wonderful equipment like monkey bars, rings, and other things to climb on, but they also make it feel like fun.

So visit a playground on the weekend or after work instead of engaging in anything sedentary like lounging around and watching a movie!

Trying skateboarding: When was the last time you did it? Middle school? Yes, I did as well—until recently. In addition to being a blast (I couldn’t stop grinning), learning the fundamentals of how to move, spin, and (try to) Ollie on a skateboard with Brian was also unexpectedly taxing. My legs felt like they had performed a million box jumps by the end of the afternoon, but I had been having so much fun that I hadn’t even considered it to be exercise.

Backyard games – Although they may not raise your heart rate significantly. Alcohol in the mix undoubtedly cancels any calories you could burn during such activities, but that’s okay because the goal is to teach your body and mind that exercising is enjoyable and not something to fear.

Try a new activity – In addition to HIIT, I strongly advise you to take up a new sport you’ve always wanted to try in order to keep yourself challenged and switch up your daily routine. Taking up a new sport will surely increase your motivation to exercise because it will enable you to advance more swiftly in your new sport or activity.

I’m not sure how many of you played capture the flag when you were kids, but I did, and it was a blast! I also recall that there was a lot of sprinting, but I never felt like I was exercising since I was so focused on winning.

Biking – Yes, we all know that a two-hour ride on your road or mountain bike will give you a wonderful workout, but not all of us have the necessary equipment (or the drive) for that kind of biking. If that’s not your thing, consider riding a bike while on vacation or just cycling around your neighborhood. You’re sure to have a blast while you’re doing it because it’s much more enjoyable than driving.

Skating-Bring out your old rollerblades or take the kids, nieces, or nephews, or whoever, to the skating rink in your neighborhood. Skating is a lot of fun, especially when there are disco lights present. You’ll chuckle at how nerdy you feel. Additionally, after all the racing (and potential falling) you will unavoidably do, you will wind up unusually perspiring.

Tennis is one of those games that I’ve always aspired to master because the concept is simply so entertaining. Sunshine, clean air, and enjoyable company? If you ask me, that’s a pretty great combination. If I ever want to genuinely improve, I just have to start playing more frequently than twice a year.

 

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