If you're feeling bored with your typical gym routine, it might be time to mix things up. From golfing to rock climbing, there are so many activities that can add some excitement to your workout regimen. Get ready to step out of your comfort zone with these adventurous exercises!
ADVENTUROUS EXERCISES TO CONSIDER:
Looking to refresh up your workout routine and add a sense of adventure to your fitness journey? Look no further:
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Hiking or trail running: If you love to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air — and maybe improve your cardiovascular health in the process — hiking just might be the perfect workout for you. Novice and elite athletes alike can enjoy this activity in a way that suits their own personal fitness level as well.
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Hot yoga: This challenging and sweaty workout is one that takes patience and persistence, but it is a tremendous way to improve your flexibility and mental clarity. The room itself is VERY hot, so be sure to consult your physician if you have any underlining medical conditions before attempting hot yoga. You will also want to be properly hydrated during this tough yet rewarding workout.
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Golf: Not only is golf a great sport to get into, it’s also a fantastic way to be outside and enjoy the sunshine while improving your hand-eye coordination and getting plenty of steps in. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, hitting the links can be a great way to mix up your workout routine.
- Cold plunging: This chilly exercise is a type of hydrotherapy that involves immersing yourself in cold water. Often used as a form of recovery after a strenuous workout, the studies are still mixed on the full benefits. Bottom line: if you’re feeling like you need to “chill out,” this may be up your alley.
- Rock climbing: This adventurous exercise is an awesome workout to test your limits and break out of your comfort zone. Be sure to get the proper training before giving this one a go, and of course, make sure you’re climbing with proper equipment.
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Kayaking: This water-based activity is a wonderful way to cool off on a hot day while also getting a full-body workout. This exercise allows you explore some amazing scenery in the process as well.
TIPS TO PROPERLY FUEL YOUR BODY FOR EXERCISE:
Proper nutrition is key to getting the most out of any exercise. Here are some tips on how to fuel your body before, during and after your workouts:
- Regardless of what eating plan you’re following, make sure you have a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates, protein and good-for-you fats before a workout. If you don’t have the time for a full meal, then snack smart. This means getting in a mix of carbohydrates and a little protein prior to your workout. A simple slice of keto*-friendly bread slathered with peanut butter and banana slices will do the trick!
- Stay hydrated by drinking water before, during and after your workout. Dehydration can affect your performance and even lead to injury, so it's important to always keep tabs on your hydration levels.
- Avoid eating large meals high in fat before exercising. This may cause digestive discomfort and hinder your workouts. While this may seem counterintuitive since the caloric intake of a keto*-friendly diet is usually made up of 80% fats, don’t be alarmed. Instead, try to eat something small about an hour before your workout. A few roasted nuts and dried fruit, like prunes, is a great combination.
- Consider snacking on a simple snack like yogurt and berries or a quick keto*-friendly crunchy bar from :ratio. This can help give you an energy boost without weighing you down.
KETO*-FRIENDLY FITNESS FUEL:
When following a keto diet, the general goal is to consume higher amounts of good-for-you fats and moderate amounts of protein while keeping overall carbohydrate intake low. Here are some keto*-friendly food options that can provide the energy and nutrients needed to fuel your fitness goal:
- Protein: chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish, eggs, tofu, tempeh and certain types of cheese can provide important amino acids to help build and repair muscle tissue.
- Good-for-you fats: avocado, nuts (such as almonds, walnuts and pecans), seeds (such as chia seeds, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds), olive oil, coconut oil and salmon can provide the necessary fats that help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A,D, E and K. Check out our Top 10 Dietitian-Approved Keto*-Friendly Fats here.
- Low-carb vegetables: broccoli, spinach, kale, cauliflower, zucchini and peppers are lower carbohydrate sources that contain nutrients like fiber that you’ll want to keep in your keto*-friendly diet to avoid constipation.
- Hydration: Water is the best option to stay hydrated, but coconut water and some sports drinks (that are low in carbohydrates) are great options as well.
DO WHAT FUELS YOU
Regardless of what exercise you choose to try out, spicing up your routine is great to keep your excitement up to move your body. By incorporating some of these keto*-friendly foods into your diet, you can fuel your fitness activities properly while still maintaining your low-carb lifestyle. Remember, staying consistent with your fitness journey throughout your life will keep not only your physical health strong, but your cognitive health too! Keep trying activities that bring you joy, and exercise will feel like a reward, not a chore.
*Always consult your physician before starting an eating plan that involves regular consumption of high-fat foods.
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