| Cozey Feature |

8 Fun Ways to Exercise

By Bashie Lisker | November 14, 2023

I’m always happier after I exercise, and full of energy, too. The trick is to find ways to exercise that are also fun

WEall know that exercise is important, especially when we spend so many hours sitting at a desk. Exercise makes you stronger and healthier, but did you know it can also make you smarter and happier? Studies show that exercise can improve memory, as well as help lower anxiety and depression. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that kids between the ages of six and seventeen get an hour of exercise a day. While that seems tough to do on school days if you’re not playing machanayim at recess or gym, it’s always a good idea to get moving whenever you can!

I used to hate exercising. I’d walk on the treadmill for what seemed like ages and be bored silly the whole time. But a few years ago, I stopped using the treadmill and instead tried out other forms of exercise. Now, I’m stronger, happier, and love to exercise! Well, I still complain about it a lot, but I’m always happier after I exercise, and full of energy, too. The trick is to find ways to exercise that are also fun. It’s all about being healthy, both physically and mentally, so if you’re not having a good time when you exercise, you won’t be motivated to do it on a regular basis!

walking

It’s not very strenuous, but there are real health benefits to keeping active even in small ways. Walking for just half an hour a day can make your heart work better, your bones stronger, and you can even enjoy it more if you do it with a friend! Maybe there’s a boardwalk, or a park, or a street full of stores near you that can make for an entertaining walk. The trick is to shake things up and keep them interesting. So either change your destination every day, or bring along someone you love spending time with!

dancing

Dancing is my absolute favorite way to exercise. I pick four or five songs and let the music get me moving. I prefer to come up with some dancing moves beforehand, but not so many that I’ll get mixed up! The best way to do it is to come up with two or three moves, then do one for 20 seconds, take a break for 10 seconds, then go on to the next one, and so on. Try creating moves with a friend, and dancing together! The sillier the move, the more fun it’ll be — and it’ll probably get you sweating and hyper, too.

stretching

Stretching and meditating is a great way to build muscle tone, become more flexible, and find a bit of calm after a stressful school day. It’s all about slow, gradual movements and deep breathing. A great starter position is a cobra pose. You start out lying flat on your stomach on a mat. Then breathe in as you lift your chest and head off the floor. Roll your shoulders back and down as you do it for a good stretch. Sometimes, different moves will tell you to ‘engage your core’ (you’ll see it in pilates, too). The way to do that is to clench your muscles like you do when you’re about to cough. This helps you keep your balance and protect your spine as you exercise.

going on a hike

My family and I began hiking when Covid hit. We’ve gone from short walks in a meadow to climbing mountains across the country. The great part about real hiking is you’re working lots of different muscles at once, you’re seeing many different aspects of nature, and you usually see something beautiful along the way! Remember, bring lots of water along, and gradually work your way up to serious hiking. We love loop hikes, where you go in a circle and end up back where you started without repeating any part of the hike. The best hikes blend some rock scrambling with pretty views and spots to take a break.

weights

Make sure to check in with your doctor before you begin this — my son’s pediatrician recommended that he avoid some kinds of weightlifting until he’s finished growing. But the cool thing about lifting weights is that you really do get stronger along the way! I’ve moved from just a few pounds to much larger numbers, and now I can carry big boxes and heavy items that I would have struggled with before. Remember: Don’t overdo it or move too quickly. Muscles need time and rest to grow, too.

jumping rope

Pull out your old jump ropes because this is an awesome way to bring up your heartrate! Same goes for Hula-Hooping, if that’s your old standby, and you want to strengthen your core. For jumping rope, you can try singing one of the old jumproping songs, or use something new — but if you really speed up, you might just be jumping too quickly to get a song in!

pilates

Pilates is similar to yoga, with a little bit of ballet and calisthenics mixed in. You aren’t going to be sweating and straining a lot, but your movements will work your muscles and make you healthier and stronger. There isn’t much jumping involved, just slow, deliberate motions. I like doing planks — balancing on the balls of my feet and my forearms while keeping my body as straight as a plank of wood. It’s not easy, but keep yourself distracted, and the time will fly by.

kickboxing

You don’t need a punching bag for this one. I like to run through a routine in my head beforehand and set it to music, usually two or three different moves that I repeat in 20-second cycles. You can imagine yourself battling bad guys or getting out some frustrations, if that helps you punch and kick with extra energy! Don’t be afraid to put your whole heart into it. The more powerful your punch, the more exercise you’ll be getting!

(Originally featured in Cozey, Issue 986)

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