Try an Alternative to the Treadmill
It's been a good summer, relaxing by the beach with an endless daiquiri in your hand, vacationing, and tempting your taste buds with treats of far-away lands. Yes, it's been a tasty summer, but let's get back to reality: the in-laws are back up north, the kids are back in school, and I'm guessing the leaves of fall are finding you just a few pounds heavier than the sunshine of spring last left you.
So what do you do about it? If your mind is taking you to a sweaty gym, where you will spend the beautiful fall days running in place on a squeaky treadmill, STOP RIGHT THERE! We live in a land where there are plenty of alternative activities, both indoors and out, to burn calories, have a blast, and maybe even pick up a new hobby at the same time. Following are some options to get you out of that gym rut, and into those skinny jeans and boots!
Stand up paddleboarding is one of this year's fastest growing water sports. It involves a combination of balance and paddling on a water vessel that is a mix between a canoe and a surf board. Health Benefits: Distance paddling and paddling intervals are great cardio workouts, whereas doing Pilates, YOGA, or a fitness regimen on a Stand Up Paddleboard is a fantastic way to stretch, tone, and strengthen muscles, while also creating balance and stability, according to Mike Overton, owner of Outside Hilton Head. Paddling offers benefits to the population that is growing a bit older, as it works both balance and strength, so it is great for slowing and even reversing balance and muscle loss. Great local places to Paddleboard: For beginners, flat water is the best place to learn. Broad Creek offers a good place to learn and play. After one becomes comfortable on a board, it is incredibly fun to surf on the ocean. Average calories burned per hour: 500+.
Kayaking is an independent workout that focuses mostly on your upper body, although the affects can be beneficial to your entire body. Health benefits: Physically, kayaking is a great workout that allows you to control the intensity. From a mental and spiritual aspect, kayaking allows you to see the world from a different vantage point. "There is no better way to find a touch of peace and relaxation than getting out for a leisurely paddle-great for the mind, body, and soul. Kayaking is also a great way to learn about yourself. You are totally independent and self-reliant. You can abandon daily distractions and really think," said Overton.
Yoga consists of breathing, awareness, stretching and elongating muscles through asana (poses), and meditation. Health benefits: Gentle yoga is an approach to therapeutics. In other words, you work through muscular tension by focusing on breathing and allowing the muscles to release. With the elongation of the muscle comes the ability to engage in more rigorous activities, according to Charity Holland, instructor at Studio Fitness and Nutrition. In addition, certain poses are designed specifically to de-stress and cool the body down (ex. Savasana), whereas other classes heat the body up to burn calories (ex. Bikram, done in a room that is 105? and 40 percent humidity!). Average calories burned per hour: 200-400 Pilates is a series of controlled movements that target specific muscle groups to strengthen your body and create an increased sense of mind and body connection.
Pilates is focused around the core of your body, which is the most powerful connection you have to perform any movement, according to Jessica Cook, instructor at Studio Fitness and Nutrition. Health Benefits: In Pilates, both the physical and mental benefits are intertwined to create improved strength and soundness of mind. "The mental benefit I see most is awareness. You become aware of standing taller, your body becoming stronger, and that in turn, is an enormous confidence booster," Jessica said. Average calories burned per hour: 250-350
Piloxing is a brand new workout phenomenon that was created about three years ago. It is a combination of boxing, Pilates and dance moves, that also combines upper body exercises. Health benefits: Piloxing is unique because, like martial arts, shoes are not worn. The workout is very high-energy and cardio-based, but it also focuses on improving balance, coordination and strengthening your feet. Average calories burned per hour: 500-700
Zumba is a high-energy, cardio-based, Latin dance fitness regime that is a combination of dances such as salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, merengue, etc. It was created in 2001, and has quickly grown in popularity throughout the world over the last five years. Health benefits: Zumba dancing is an intense cardio, fat burning workout. One of it's greatest appeals is compared to regular aerobics, you do not feel as though you are working out, but rather dancing your own way and having fun, according to Ivette Moore, owner of Z4 Fitness Studio. With Zumba's rising popularity, a variation of classes have been designed for specific needs such as Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, Zumbatomic (for kids), and Zumba Sentao. Average calories burned per hour: 400-800
So next time you find yourself caught in the coils of workout complacency, take a second.take a chance. and take charge of your mind and body through these different activities. Don't be afraid to try something new, you might just find yourself with a new passion, and a new body at the same time!
If You Go: Outside Hilton Head: 32 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI - 843-686-6996 Activities offered: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Fishing Excursions, Boat Tours, Paddleboarding Yoga, Tubing, Skiing, Wakeboarding, Boat Rentals, Water Taxis, Team-building The Studio Fitness and Nutrition LLC: 1304 Boundary Street, Beaufort - 843-379-FITT (3488) Services offered: Zumba, Pilates, Ballroom Dancing, Yoga, Pilates, Piloxing, Boot Camp, Massage Therapy, Health Coaching, Running Club, Spin-It Indoor Cycle and Personal Training Z4 Fitness Studio: 1012 William Hilton Pkwy # 1, HHI - 843-681-4646 Classes offered: Zumba, Samba, Piloxing, Aqua Zumba, Zumbatomic