Work(out) and play—can the two really be combined? Let’s face it, even though we know exercise is good for us, it doesn’t always mean we like it. For some, it can feel more like a chore rather than a sizable step toward better health. However, what if we gave the whole “it hurts and I’m tired” mindset the heave ho and turned it into something we enjoy and… dare I say, look forward to.
Here, celebrity trainer and Fitbit Ambassador Harley Pasternak offers a variety of activities that’ll get you excited to get moving while also reaching your fitness goals.
Golf and Tennis
Two of my favorite summer sports, both golf and tennis are competitive activities during which your focus is on the ball and the opponent, or the course. Both can also be enjoyed solo or with a friend; either way, you can often end up walking or running over 10,000 steps on a given round of 18 holes, or an hour to two hours of tennis. Fore!
Dancing
It doesn’t matter whether you’re good at dancing or not. If anything, “bad” dancers probably burn more calories than anyone else. As for me, my lack of coordination and rhythm have me flailing about to my favorite music without even thinking about the fact that I’m exercising—and burning plenty of calories. So get out there, and have fun with it!
Weight Training
When weight training properly, your heart shouldn’t be racing; nor should you be sweating up a storm. That said, performing intense resistance exercises that focus on large muscle groups such as squats, lunges and deadlifts can actually burn a plethora of calories. Moreover, this calorie burn continues long after the workout is done. This is because when you engage in weight training, you can raise your resting metabolism during the recovery phase for up to two days afterwards.
Hiking and Walking
This one’s simple yet so effective! If you’re going on a hike, grab a friend and focus on the conversation and your surroundings. Or, if you’re like me, leave your house in search of the perfect cappuccino and let yourself wander—before you know it, you’ll have hit 10,000 steps.
Interactive Video Games
Exercise and gaming have finally merged to create calorie-burning interactive entertainment. Nintendo, Xbox, and other interactive pieces of exercise equipment—like the soon to be released Forme, a 6-foot mirror with a virtual trainer and retractable arms with resistance cables—will get you sweating in no time. There are numerous interactive games to choose from when using these devices, including EA Sports Active 2, Dance Central, Kinect Sports, to name a few. The best part? You’ll be pleasantly distracted with entertaining technology.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Harley Pasternak
Celebrity trainer and nutritionist Harley Pasternak holds a master of science degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto, and an honors degree in Kinesiology from University of Western Ontario. As a fitness and nutrition specialist, Harley has trained many celebrities, including Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, Jessica Simpson, Ariana Grande, John Mayer, Charlie Puth, Jordana Brewster, Rob Pattinson, Tobey Maguire, Lady Gaga, Megan Fox, and Jennifer Hudson. He has appeared on MTV, VH1, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Oz, THE VIEW, The Tyra Banks Show, Access Hollywood, Extra, Rachael Ray, America’s Next Top Model, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and most recently, Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian on E! Harley has also lectured around the globe and does speaking engagements regularly.
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