Fit Fun Time

When deciding your workout plan (days per week, minutes per day, outfits), try to block in one session of what I like to call “Fit Fun Time.” This is an extremely childish and stupid name (seriously–I’m taking suggestions) for something that is actually a great addition to your workout routine.

FFT is 45 minutes spent doing something fun that doesn’t feel like exercise. It generally takes place outside the four sacred walls of your gym. You’ve surely done it before without even realizing it. But here are some ways to add FFT to your routine.

Take a lesson. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn to do? For me, it’s tennis, so I am planning to add tennis lessons to my summer fitness plan. Swimming and golf are two other skills that you may have always wanted. I’ve always wanted to be a great swimmer, but I so hate getting wet. Anyway, you can either sign up through a club or other organization, or you can go my favorite route: get on Craigslist! There are so many people out there who will teach you one-on-one in exchange for cold, hard cash (but less than what you’d pay someone in a club). Learning a new skill is awesome–if I could swim, I’d have been able to work out during my injury. And if I could golf, I’m sure I’d have closed a Hollywood movie deal by now. (All business is done on the course, right?) More than anything, a new skill gives you confidence, and a new “instructor” makes you sound monied, and will make your boyfriend kealous.

Join a team. If you excelled in soccer or baseball, why not join an adult league? Most girls in my generation played several sports growing up and I think it’s undeniable how great that was for us. A weekly game and some healthy competition will rev you right up!

Climb something. Time to get vertical, people. Climbing and hiking are also great confidence boosters. The first time I stood in front of a climbing wall, I figured I wouldn’t make it up 5 feet because I have the upper body strength of an ant. But after a few minutes on the wall, I realized it’s all about your lower body! Put your bodonkadonk to work and go UP! Hiking is also great for toning and cardio, and an excuse to buy new gear (if you’re into that–and I am).

Skate. I prefer ice because I’m more into the ice capades than I am the 90s and roller blading, but both are great exercise and will make you laugh as you fall on your ass. Many ice rinks have free skate even in the summer months, so go cool off for a little while. And because I wouldn’t mind being a disco queen, I’m fine with some old school roller skating action (as long as your local rink hasn’t turned into an oral sex and pot den like mine). This looks like happiness to me.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWKDYJ6Ldzc]

Go outside. Just taking a routine outside makes normal cardio feel like an endorphin speedball. I always feel extra good about it because it lowers my carbon footprint. Soaking up some sun (with SPF) while you work out has the amazing effect of making you feel like a California girl, even if you’re in Akron, Ohio.

I think I might head to Central Park this afternoon for some much-needed FFT!