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For some people, the idea of going to the gym makes them break out in a cold sweat, which is precisely the wrong sort of sweat. Usual complaints are that they find it dull, it makes them self-conscious, of the cost of the membership puts them off. But avoiding the gym doesn’t mean we can avoid exercise altogether, and exercising doesn’t have to be boring. So if you’re not keen on heading down to the gym, or you’d just like to supplement your current workout routine, and running round the park isn’t your cup of tea either, why not see if any of these fun workouts take your fancy.

Hula Hooping

Now, bear with me for a second. Hula hooping isn’t just for kids and Hawaiian women in coconut bras, it’s actually a great core muscle workout, with a whole lot of cardio and fat-burning for good measure. And it’s basically free as well. Pick up a hoop from a kid’s toy shop for just a few pounds and get practicing. It’s not easy getting started, but once you get the hang of it, there’ll be no stopping you. It’s also a great party trick, once you’ve got the knack.

Trampoline

Not just for little kids anymore, trampolining centres are popping up all over the country, and trampoline fitness is becoming the real deal. If you’d prefer not to bounce around in front of 30 other women, consider investing in trampolines for your garden. Just jumping for half an hour is a great workout which is fairly low impact, but if you incorporate some trampoline aerobics (check YouTube), then you’ll see a difference in no time.

Surfing

If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, especially one with good surf, then enrol in the OMBE https://ombe.co/ surf program. As if swimming wasn’t good enough for you, the upper body and core workout from surfing is second to none, and you’ll be ripped in no time. Equipment and wetsuit hire is inexpensive, but it’s worth investing in a lesson for your first time, just so someone can explain the basic gist of it, and then away you go.

Rock climbing

If you’ve got a head for heights, get down to your local climbing wall and give it a go. There’s very little exercise more effective than pulling up the weight of your own body, and the sense of achievement once you make it to the top of the first wall will leave you wanting more. The best thing about climbing walls is that you usually pay entry, but there will be people on hand to give you free help and advice throughout the session.

Play with kids

It can seem that children have infinitely more energy than adults, so if you’ve got your own, or you know someone who’d like a break for an hour, suggest taking them out to the park and get them to give you a workout. Playing tag, roughhousing, even throwing and catching will all get your heart rate up, and the best thing is that children won’t let you stop when you get tired.

Give one or all of these a go, and see how much fun and great exercise you can get by not going to the gym.