5 Fun Ways To Get Exercise In ’24
If the gym is too crowded this time of year, try one of these activities to get your muscles moving and your blood flowing.
It’s not uncommon to want to join a gym this time of year—in fact, just about everyone seems to be thinking about it. If a jam-packed fitness center or steep membership fees are deterring you from starting your health-minded resolutions, remember that there are other ways to get a good workout without the crowd. The best part is you can do many of these activities on your own, or with family and friends. Below are five ideas that offer fun while keeping you fit.
Swing away
Winter is just a few weeks old, but you may already be thinking about swinging a baseball bat or golf club. Indoor batting cages and driving ranges are abundant in Bergen County, where you can spend a half-hour or so perfecting your form while improving hand-eye coordination. Meanwhile, the swinging motion will give shoulders, arms and core muscles a good workout. The batting cages at Humdingers in Paramus feature “hit-cams,” which can provide visual feedback so you can improve your swing.
Treasure hunting
You probably won’t find a chest filled with gold in the Bergen wilderness, but navigate to the right spot and you may discover a hidden cache containing trinkets and treasures. Geocaching is an outdoor activity that’s similar to an old-fashioned scavenger hunt, and it’s easy and fun for everyone. Simply download the Geocaching app to retrieve GPS coordinates of the hidden cache. Next, you and your crew will stroll sidewalks, peruse parks and hike into the woods in search of the object, which typically contains a log of those who previously found the treasure. Geocaching can be done at Tenafly Nature Center and Saddle River County Park, among other sites.
Jump around
Doing double-unders might not be the first thing you try, but you can definitely get your blood pumping with a quick session of simple rope jumping. Pick up a jump rope at REI or Dick’s Sporting Goods, both in Paramus, then find a spot either outdoors or an indoor space with a high ceiling and start your workout. It’s tougher than it looks, but your heart and leg muscles will thank you later.
Paddle time
It’s no secret that tennis and pickleball are great outdoor sports, but indoor table tennis can test your stamina and strength just as well. Depending on your competitive spirit, table tennis can give you a full-body workout without overtaxing your joints while upping your reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Ready to Golf in River Edge features 14 table tennis tables and seven robotic tables for play. (There are two dozen indoor golf simulators too, for those wanting to swing clubs.)
Dance party
Even the most uncoordinated person can enjoy dancing, which provides a good cardio workout, improves coordination and sculpts leg and core muscles. No matter what your preferred style—hip-hop, ballroom, tango—you’ll definitely get a workout at dance classes offered at places like Fred Astaire Dance Studio, which has multiple locations in Bergen, and Heart in Motion in Ridgewood. Not ready to dance in public? Just ask Alexa to crank up today’s best dance songs and practice moves in your kitchen!
What is your workout plan for the new year? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
