Get moving the fun way

The dangers of a sedentary lifestyle can’t be emphasised enough. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and even depression and anxiety are some of the health risks of an inactive lifestyle. That’s why it’s so important to get your body moving.

For most people, that means working out at the gym or going for a run. However, those aren’t the only ways to be more active. And for many people, they’re not always an option. This could be due to injury or lifestyle, or simply because running sounds too much like punishment. We spoke to Karen Joubert, a fitness trainer in Pretoria and Medihelp’s in-house trainer, about fun ways to exercise.

Why is it important to get moving?

Regular movement is crucial for your body and mind. Physically, it toughens up your heart, builds muscle, helps control weight, and boosts immunity. Mentally, it releases endorphins (“feel-good” chemicals), lifts your mood, sharpens your brain, regulates sleep, and gives you an energy boost. Plus, it’s a terrific way to connect with others and be more social. Moving is a game changer for your overall well-being: it’s a holistic approach to health, positively influencing both the body and the mind.

Do you need to hit the gym or the road to stay active?

No. While structured workouts at the gym or outdoor activities like running are excellent ways to stay fit, there are plenty of other enjoyable ways to keep moving. The trick is to find things you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with them; keep moving in a way that works for you. Staying active should be part of your daily routine without feeling like a chore.

Are there other things you can do to get similar health benefits to going to the gym or jogging?

Many alternative and unconventional activities can benefit your health in a similar way. Walking, biking, dancing, and gardening are just as effective. So are playing recreational sports or working out at home. They all promote physical fitness. You can join a yoga class. Go for a hike or a swim. Even an activity like cleaning contributes to staying physically active.

And you can start by changing just one habit. For example, take the stairs instead of the lift. This one change can be the shift that motivates you to lead a more active lifestyle. Aside from the physical shift, it’s very much a mental shift too, as you’re pushing yourself past the easy alternatives.

How can you move more in your daily life, especially if you have a full diary or sedentary job?

You can easily add movement to your busy day. Take regular short breaks to stretch or go for a quick walk. Or sneak in exercises at your desk without slowing down. Turn meetings into walking chats, and take refreshing walks outside during lunch. If time is tight, try quick home workouts. Weekends are wonderful for active fun with friends or family. Start with achievable goals, and gradually do more as your schedule allows and your fitness level increases. The key is to naturally bring movement into your day, making it a regular part of your life.

Different ways to stay active

Inspired to get moving? Here are even more unconventional, interesting ways to get active:

• Dance therapy
• Rock climbing
• Trampoline parks and rebounding (exercise on a mini-trampoline)
• Horse riding
• Geocaching and fitness gaming
• Archery
• Mall walking
• Minigolf/Putt-Putt
• Bowling
• Boxing and martial arts
• Roller derby
• Fencing and medieval sword fighting