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We’ve all heard the phrase, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” And here at Etage Athletic, we think the same goes for fitness.
Whether you’re months into a new year’s resolution to recommit to health and wellness, bored with the same-old, same-old at the gym, or already dreading the arrival of summer’s draining heat, it may be time to change things up in the exercise department. One solution? Inject a little fun into your fitness routine!
At Etage, we strongly support workouts that double as an excuse to socialize, smile, laugh or just enjoy yourself – so much so, ideally, that you forget how hard you’re working. Read on for some suggestions on how to make exercise more fun.
There’s No ‘I’ in Team
Whoever came up with that phrase must have subscribed to the notion that being active is best when it involves other people! With that in mind, maybe it’s time to grab some friends and sign up for a summer sports league. From beach volleyball to kickball, pickle ball to basketball and everything in between, opportunities abound for adults to revisit the world of team sports.
And speaking of basketball, when was the last time you checked out the rooftop court here at Etage? Head up there any day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (barring inclement weather) to shoot some hoops or indulge in some competitive play. We guarantee you’ve never jumped so high!
(Virtual) Reality Bites … at the Calories
Take your workout to a whole new world – the virtual one. Some consider virtual reality gaming the next generation of exercise. Requiring only a headset, these computer-simulated workouts can range from traditional options, like boxing, yoga and other sports, to games that entail high-intensity movement. Beat Saber, a rhythm game set in a futurist world that requires players to slash the beats of adrenaline-pumping music as they fly toward them, burns an average of 6.55 calories per minute during active gameplay, according to the Virtual Reality Institute of Health and
Exercise. That’s comparable to working out on an elliptical! A list of VR games that burn an
equivalent number of calories to walking, biking, tennis and other activities can be found here.
Spice Things Up
Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. Don’t be afraid to try something new, or mix things up week to week to keep your workout routine from becoming too stale or monotonous. Wondering where to start? Join us at Etage every third Thursday of the month for a SweatNet class! These fun gatherings are open to gym members as well as the public and span the range of fitness offerings. On tap for April 20th at 6 p.m.: Buti Yoga with Kaylee Noll. This form of yoga involves intentional shaking and vibration to release trauma stored at the cellular level. Primal movement, cardio dance and conditioning are seamlessly woven throughout balanced yoga sequencing for a workout aimed at transforming body and soul. Reserve your spot now!
The following week we’re offering a pop-up HIIT class on April 26th at 6 p.m. Contact us for more information or to register.
Indulge in Some Child’s Play
Another way to add some fun to the fitness routine is by revisiting your youth. Who knew all those childhood birthday parties and playdates were really just exercise in disguise? Take a trip down memory lane while also working up a sweat by lacing up some skates and heading to an area rink or greenway. Trampolining is another great “kid” activity that meshes fun with fitness. Whether you choose to invest in your own mini rebounder, join in on the fun in your own backyard or test your skills at an indoor trampoline park, we promise you’ll have a good time!
Your health and fitness journey should be an enjoyable one, so don’t be afraid to let loose and try something new and different in pursuit of some fun!