By Nourah Al Shulaiby
Many people believe that being fit or staying healthy means an endless amount of exercise and one cucumber a day for the rest of your life. Not true. Being healthy or getting healthy does not have to be so constricting or so boring.
The key to successful fitness and health is making your exercise regime fun and taking small steps towards a healthier overall diet. We are going to start by telling you that you can head to the gym, but it’s not the gym that you’re thinking of… we are going to show you the other side of the gym.
DJ is here with some great methods that are probably easier, more fun, and more efficient than just you and your love handles heading to the nearest gym and hopping on a treadmill.
Creative Classes
Most gyms offer several different ways to stay in shape. One great way to stay fit is by attending an exercise class. Classes are a great way to stay in shape and have fun. The nice thing about classes is that you can go into the class not knowing anything, and come out with more knowledge and a fitter backside!
An instructor guides you through the entire exercise, so there’s no need to think or plan ahead. Plus, being surrounded by other fitness-conscious people makes the class more fun and makes you more motivated. Gyms offer all different types of classes, from dancing and Tae-Bo, to Yoga and Pilates. There are also more advanced classes for those who have been exercising for some time and want more of a challenge. And the best part of all, most of these classes are included in your membership, so there’s no extra fee!
Personal Trainer
For those on the shyer side, consider getting a personal trainer. You can ask your gym if they have trainers available, or search out an independent trainer. The great thing about a one-on-one workout is that the trainer can compose a workout specifically for your body, so you can focus on areas that may need more attention than others. They can also help you make sure that you are doing the moves exactly as they should be done.
Not only will this help you get fit more quickly, it will also prevent unnecessary injury. Personal trainers also vary in their skill, which means you can get a trainer for almost any type of exercise you feel you would like to try. Personal Trainers sometimes offer their classes at their homes for a small number of people. This is a good opportunity for you to get fit with a friend in private!
Gym Alternatives
Now, if you’re thinking, “This all sounds lovely, but I’m still not sure,” not to worry, because there’s more! If you don’t consider yourself the “gym exercise-type”, don’t shut the door on your health just yet. Jeddah offers lots of different places for your everyday activities. Taking a stroll is a great, simple way to get your body moving.
Take a walk along the Corniche, the Mamsha behind the Hilton, or even your neighborhood park. Too hot for you outside? Head over to a mall. Malls in Jeddah are large and spacious, and most importantly, air-conditioned, so you won’t have to worry about the heat. Head over to a near-by mall for a quick stroll, or to the Red Sea Mall or Mall of Arabia for a longer one. Be sure to wear proper footwear: socks and walking shoes. This will make your walk easier, more comfortable, and prevent unnecessary strain on your body.
Home Gym
Can’t be bothered to leave your house to exercise? No problem! Pop in an exercise dvd. Virgin Megastore, in the Roshana Mall, offers a variety of different exercise dvds including all your favorites like Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics and many more. These are a great way to stay fit, and they’re so convenient.
You can do these at any time and from the comfort of your own home. Add wrist or ankle weights to up the calorie expenditure, or better yet, invest in a beginner set of free weights and create your own workout regimen in the privacy of your home.
