I don’t know about you, but now that I’m in my fifties, my body is nothing like it used to be. Hard though it is to admit, working out isn’t as easy as it once was. Before moving to rural France, I was an avid gym goer; however, the closest gym to me now is around 45 45-minute drive away. Plus, being in the middle of the countryside, the thought of putting on gym gear and mindlessly running on the treadmill doesn’t thrill me.
I want my pre-fifties body, but I don’t have the same energy levels, motivation, or gyms and personal trainers available. So it’s time to get creative. I’m long past doing things I don’t want to do, so I realized I needed to turn working out into something fun rather than something I found every excuse under the sun not to do.
So, I’ve come up with some alternatives. Ones that don’t involve going anywhere near a gym and are focused on things you already like doing that don’t feel like hard work? Here are 12 hobby-based exercises you’ll actually look forward to, which can be incorporated into your weekly fitness routine.
Cycle Picnic
This is hands down one of my favorite things to do here in France. Luckily, my husband loves it too. Granted, as we are in the French countryside, I’m pretty sure the bread, cheese, and wine we take with us might swallow up the exercise we do, but there are other benefits as well.
According to Harvard Health, cycling is good for your heart and muscles, so combining it with a picnic is not only a great way to keep fit, but being out in the fresh air is good for your mind too. Taking in the scenery while cycling releases endorphins, giving you a nature-filled high.
Choose a route that’s fun to cycle and at least a 10 km round trip. Locate an ideal spot, such as by a lake or in the middle of a field. Remember to pack a blanket and plenty of water, and you have the perfect keep-fit option.
Line Dancing
Speaking from experience, line dancing is a great exercise routine. I started about three years ago and absolutely love it. I’d never done it before, but soon got the hang of it. I now do two classes back-to-back, which is over two hours of non-stop exercise. By the end, you feel like you’ve done a cardio workout. There are numerous physical and mental benefits, as it builds stamina and improves heart health.
Plus, it’s fun and social. I’ve made many friends through line dancing, and the club I belong to hosts lots of events throughout the year, too. Different class levels usually cater to all abilities, so previous experience is not necessary. It’s also the perfect way for me to practice my French, as I’m the only English-speaking person.
The best part for me is that you don’t need a partner. My husband is a member of the local walking football team, so we both have a sport, of sorts, that we love, which doesn’t require the other to enjoy it.
Trampoline Workouts
I remember doing trampolining at school and loving it. There is nothing better than bouncing high up in the air, landing, and flying up again. You feel weightless and as if you could do anything. My daughter was a figure skater who represented Britain, and she practiced her jump technique on the trampoline. I still have it.
My neighbors think I’m nuts when they see me bouncing away with a smile on my face, but it is so much fun. Apparently, trampolining also has health benefits and is more effective than jogging. According to Springing to Life, a report produced by the Journal of Education Health and Sport, it is suitable for bone strength and mental well-being.
Zumba
If you want something fast and fun that incorporates some dance moves, you’ll love Zumba. We have a local Zumba class held in our local Salle de Fete, which is similar to a village hall. It combines cardio with Latin music and helps tone the body and enhance muscle flexibility. For Dirty Dancing fans, it’s a chance to learn the merengue featured in the iconic movie.
It originated in Colombia in the 1990s and became a fitness program in 2001. It’s popular with people of all ages, sizes, and abilities, although it predominantly attracts a female audience. Although we do have a couple of men who have joined our class.
I must admit I don’t go all the time, but it’s one of those you can dip in and out of. Leaping around like that in the extreme heat of the summer doesn’t appeal to me, but it’s a great winter option.
Dance Fitness
There is a reason why over six million people tuned in to watch the season premiere of Dancing with the Stars, or Strictly Come Dancing, if you’re in Britain. Dancing is fun. We love to watch it, and as we sit on the couch, we secretly imagine ourselves doing the steps. I know I do. I’m convinced I can do all those moves.
So, why not create your own dance competition at home and incorporate dance fitness into your exercise routine? It’s a great way to lose weight, get fit, and have some fun learning new dances.
There are plenty of online dance programs available to do in the privacy of your home with no prying eyes. Once you feel more confident, you can look for a dance class near you to join a group. There are numerous ballroom classes available now, thanks to these TV programs, so there’s plenty to choose from.
Country Power Walking
Being in harmony with nature is beneficial for the mind, body, and soul. Rather than hitting the treadmill in the gym, why not drive to somewhere more rural and enjoy a power walk in the countryside? It’s the perfect place to switch off without any pressure, while still getting some exercise.
I go every day with my border collie, and yes, we are lucky here as the countryside is outside my front door. However, it’s also helped me meet people. I now chat to quite a few of the people in the neighboring villages as I pass through with Lottie. I’ve even been invited in for drinks.
I find that creating a playlist of your favorite workout songs helps you stay motivated. I find it hard to keep pace without. Try to set a time goal of at least forty-five minutes to get a real cardio workout, preferably somewhere with varying inclines so it’s not all on the flat.
Aqua Aerobics
Water aerobics is so much more fun than studio aerobics. For a start, you feel lighter and less out of breath, but you’re getting the same results. Just as you’d find with regular aerobics, there are different class levels, but you have the bonus of being able to go for a swim afterward.
I’ve been several times, usually in the summer, as we have an outdoor pool in Ruffec, a town down the road from me. You’ll hear a lot of giggling going on as I never seem to be able to do the moves correctly, but it’s lovely being outside, and again, it’s social as we normally go for a coffee afterwards.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s a great, low-impact form of cardio. Unlike running, it reduces the pressure on your joints and muscles, so it’s a good option for older people looking to keep fit non-invasively.
Kayaking
We live in the Charente department in southwest France and are close to the Charente River. Kayaking is very popular in our area, and you see lots of people on the water, especially during the warmer months. It’s hard work, but so lovely watching the countryside go by, as you drift along, well, I drift as I’m not in it for racing along.
Kayaking is a full-body workout that improves your cardiovascular fitness. It’s also great for building core strength and upper body strength. So, if you want to wave goodbye to flabby arms this summer, getting into a kayak could be your optimal workout.
In addition, it’s also a great way to step away from your screen and enjoy some fresh air. You’ll discover places you can’t necessarily get to on land and enjoy the scenery as you paddle.
Hiking
For adventure lovers and adrenaline seekers, hiking provides a sense of achievement that goes beyond the workout. Hitting the hiking trails ticks so many boxes. From problem-solving to reducing stress levels, hiking allows you to reconnect with nature while taking in some beautiful scenery.
If you’re lucky, you might see some animals in their natural habitat, depending on how busy the trails are. We have a lot of deer near us, and I just love seeing them standing in the middle of the field looking so regal and beautiful. I have to try and spot them before Lottie does, otherwise she chases them away.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to get away from the constraints of the office or everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. According to the National Park Service (NPS), hiking is one of the best exercises for a full-body workout.
Hula Hooping
Growing up in the 1980s, hula hooping was a big trend. It was popular in school playgrounds, backyards, and parks. As a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise, a hula-hooping workout can help burn calories, reduce body fat, and strengthen core muscles.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a 30-minute hula hooping session can burn approximately 165 calories for women and 200 calories for men. Using a weighted hula hoop can be particularly effective in enhancing core strength.
This was another thing my daughter did as part of her off-ice routine, so I still have a couple here, and every now and then, when I know nobody is around, I give it a go. It’s fun, gets the endorphins pumping, and you take inches off your waistline; what’s not to love?
Boxercise
Boxercise is a great way to get fit and release tension. Its high-intensity, interval training style has been modeled on the fitness regime used by boxers. At no point does any participant hit another; the only punching happens on pads.
This, combined with exercises such as sit-ups, skipping, and press-ups, is fantastic for cardiovascular endurance. I haven’t found anywhere to do it here in France, but I used to go regularly. It’s a great way for working off any aggression, too, and I always felt calmer afterwards.
Rollerblading
As a kid who grew up in the 80s, rollerskating and rollerblading were huge. Rollerskating rinks held discos and parties, and we spent most of our time there during the holidays. It was a great way to keep fit and meant we weren’t spending too much time in front of the TV.
As an adult, finding a flat promenade along the beach is a fun way to include skating in your fitness routine. One of my bucket list items is to rollerblade along the promenade in Nice, in the south of France. One day I’ll do it.
According to Brain Plasticity, just one regular fun cardio session can have a positive emotional effect, and rollerskating definitely ticks the fun box.