We all know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy. We also know that there are times when we’re just not motivated to step into that treadmill or lift those weights. The good news is you can still get a good amount of workout without feeling like you’re exercising.
By engaging in recreational activities like gardening, dancing or playing with your grandchildren, not only do you get the benefits of doing traditional exercises, you also get to have some fun.
Below are some activities that you can consider doing as a substitute to traditional exercises. The table includes the amount of calories burned in 30 minutes dependent on your weight. Before doing these activities, make sure that you are cleared by your doctor.
Calories burned in 30 minutes if you weigh:
Activity
125 lbs
155 lbs
185 lbs
Bicycling (12–13.9 mph)
240
298
355
Bowling
90
112
133
Dancing (disco, ballroom, square)
165
205
244
Gardening
135
167
200
Golf (using cart)
105
130
155
Hiking (cross-country)
180
223
266
Playing with kids (moderate effort)
120
149
178
Softball
150
186
222
Swimming
180
223
266
Tennis
210
260
311
Walking (4 mph, or 15 minutes per mile)
135
167
200