(BlackDoctor.org) -- Hate working out? Well you didn’t when you were a kid. If you’re have a tough time sticking with a routine, you may not have found the right exercise for you. One of the keys to making exercise a habit is to do something you enjoy. Finding the right activity can be as easy as getting in touch with the things you liked to do when you were young. Fitness doesn't have to be confined within four walls of a gym. There are all kinds of activities that you can do and sports that you can play to have fun and keep fit."
There are some childhood favorites – swimming, riding a bike, or playing basketball – which you can still enjoy as an adult. Not sure what you'd like to play now that your freeze-tag buddies have grown up and moved away?
If You Liked...
4-Square… Try tennis or racquetball. You still have to hit the balls where you want them, only now you've got a racquet.
Climbing Trees…Try indoor or outdoor rock climbing. It's a lot safer, and both your muscles and mind (to figure out the best route) will get great workouts.
Yard Games TRY...Golf without the cart. Intimidated by the game? Go to a chip-and-putt course first. The holes are short, and most folks are beginners. Or try bowling, another hand/eye coordination game.
Dodgeball… Try volleyball. You're less likely to get hit by the ball in this game, but it still utilizes hand and eye coordination.
Gymnastics or Cheerleading ...Try the new-generation aerobics classes. Many feature energetic Latin, urban, and salsa dance that'll get you moving.
Jump Rope or Hopscotch…Try rebounding (aerobics on a minitrampoline) provides a fun, nonimpact, jump-around workout. You can even pick up a video for workout ideas.
Red Rover… Try Martial arts such as karate or tae kwon do. These safer forms of doing battle burn calories and improve coordination.
Sledding… Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. You can play in the powder without worrying about running into a tree.
Tag… Try joining a jogging, bicycling, or hiking group. There's a playful spirit of chase in these groups that you'll love.
It's really impossible for athletes to grow up ... . You're still a child, still playing a game. But on the other hand, you're a superhuman hero that everyone dreams of being.
- BlackDoctor.org is a credible and trusted resource for African Americans to get healthy lifestyle information. A "WebMD" for Black consumers is a good way of looking at us. Our aim is to build a comprehensive database of accurate, relevant information and to be the first point of call whenever African Americans need medical/dental information or a referral to a qualified Black doctor.
