Toning up & Trimming Down Doesn't Have to be a Bore....

Some people stare at free weights and simply sigh. Their eyes glance over to the flat-lined treadmill and sulk. Another glance to the bike and the scenery it has to offer and they just turn and walk away. So much for that work out.

Some people fear the gym. Others don't get the gym. And some are just tired of the gym.

You know how you swear that bowl of ice cream is calling your name? (it calls my name too) Well, lets find an exercise that calls your name. The problem for some people is just finding the fun in exercise.

Some minds are geared for the challenge and strategy of WOD's, they find it fun to follow "bullet points" of intense sets. Their energy levels skyrocket when they see what is to be accomplished. Some heart rates increase just by the sound of clanking weights. Some minds revel in the spin of a stationary bike with imaginations floating afar and others gain sheer joy from mile long stretches of running. But if your mind doesn't work in any of these ways... it's time to find another avenue to fun fitness. You should not be missing out on an invitation to a good workout.

My oldest and I wanted a day to ourselves. No toddler, no dad. He's a tween, shopping and ice cream aren't his thing and the day was far too pretty for a movie. We've circled the lake too many times to count and primarily do that for exercise and his younger brothers enjoyment. With only a few hours to escape and claim time to ourselves we set out to a new place called Jumpology.

Jumpology is the science of jumping. No not really, there's no science behind this other than trampolines placed side by side in lengths longer than any Walmart can offer. At jumpology you buy your time to jump, bounce, and flip. Upon entering you're greeted with a sign that brags - an hour of jumping can burn 1000 calories. That sign tells no sweet lie. (so I think) We jumped for an hour and half. It was a workout without feeling like a workout. The fun was in the options.

From dodgeball courts to basketball courts we bounced. From the floor up the walls, we bounced. From trampolines set like diving boards, we bounced into foam pits. Punching bags hung from the ceiling encouraging you to jump harder, higher. And steps along the sides begged for a climb. Once the music changed over to beats like Gingham Style and JT the whole place went bazzerk. Kids were jumping and dancing and moms like me were literally showing off back flips and toe touches. We left a sweaty mess and headed for lunch served with a cold glass of water.

#bemoreactive was definitely accomplished today. Fun fitness was found. This chic hasn't done a backflip in years nor a toe touch. But I was inspired to try. And I was able to do it and do it again. Never limit your beliefs or you limit your capabilities, in this case that would have limited our fun.

I encourage you to look outside of the regular routines and introduce yourself to fun fitness. When fitness is fun, less of a challenge, holding no competition you may find yourself wanting to go back for more.

If bike riding and walking//running aren't your thing and you could care less to drop and give me 20 consider options like roller skating, ice skating, jump rope//trampoline, and dancing. Speaking of dancing....

Meet Gayle from A Gayle Force.

Hello Heart Shaped Sweat readers, I'm Gayle in case you needed to read that again.....
I’ve never been one for exercise. I know, I know. You’re probably thinking a multitude of things, like “Don’t you know it’s good for you?” and “Why are you on Kristine’s blog if you hate exercise?”
Well, let me explain.

I can’t get motivated by myself to work out. I’m so incredibly lazy that my excuse is that I don’t feel like putting on work-out clothes. How pathetic is that?! It is. I was so incredibly lazy until I found an exercise I love. Actually, love is an understatement; I am obsessed with it. Oh, you want to know what it is?
It’s Zumba.

I got roped into going, one day after work, more than a year ago. Oddly enough, I was going with my boss and her friend (awkward, right?). I had never experienced Zumba but had only ever heard amazing things about it. I decided that I needed to get in shape anyway, and since I had people to go with I would try it out. Well let me tell you, after that hour of dancing my butt off (literally), I was hooked. I went twice a week for months! I went until they stopped offering it. It wasn’t in a gym, but it was at an Herbalife meeting area, so once they started running out of space they had to stop offering it.

Basically, I can’t make it to classes at the gym like a normal person because I work such long hours, so I thought this would be the end of my Zumba love. Solution? I went and bought Zumba for the Wii. Now I can do it as often as I like in the comfort of my own home. Although if we’re being honest, I really do miss being in a class full of other ladies who were having as much fun as I was. More than a year later and I’ve lost weight, feel so much better about myself, and still enjoy dancing my evenings away two or three times a week!

After feeling so good realizing what a great workout can do for me, I’ve decided to add some variety to my workouts. I purchased a few Jillian Michaels DVDs – I guess we’ll see how that goes. I’m now so motivated to exercise, and I actually really love it. I mean, I love the workouts I’m used to. I still probably won’t be running a marathon anytime soon, but hey, I’ll take what I can get! 

Isn't she fun?!
I love that she tried something new and found a way to make fitness fun... and now it's a habit.
Her blog offers much more motivation than just this kind. She and another sweet blogger are hosting their first linky party.... Smiles are Contagious. It's every Thursday, link up and be a part of that fun!!!


What ways do you find fun in fitness? 
Have you tried Zumba or another group fitness class?
My personal fave (my M&M's of gym classes) is Step :)


Linking with BlogLovin Collective,  Smiles Are Contagious, Thirsty Thursdays