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Before I finally got into fitness my biggest issue was that I didn’t find the traditional forms of sports and exercise exciting enough. I couldn’t stand just running down the street, by the time the second song on my iPod came on, my body was dragging me back home and I thought I was too cool for P.E. or team sports. I was a lost cause. University only made it worse: internships, work, early mornings, the last week of semester cram sessions and my oh so important social life combined to make spare time an non-existent option in my life but at least now I had a better excuse for never raising my heartbeat. Yes, I know that this is the life of ever university student and my lack of time does not make me different from your friends or you so in probably my nicest and generous jester of the week I give you my secret to finding the time and effort to working out: fun exercises or trick exercises. These eight fun workouts that don’t feel like workouts are the perfect antidote to the time poor and lazy who want to be healthy:

1.     Dancing: Whether you Waltz, Cha Cha or simply slap on some heels and go clubbing you bound to burn hundreds on calories and tone your core, legs and thighs. Oh, by the way the most frowned upon dancing that involves a pole and sexy music can burn between 200 and 400 calories in 1 hour. Now we know why fitness pole dancing venues are starting to outnumber the professional places.

2.     Rock climbing: Outdoor or indoor this seriously fun and hard activity is everywhere these days and it’s no wonder why: an average 60kg women burns up to 647 calories (167 more calories than a Big Mac) an hour while toning your abs, arms, shoulders and back. Also it is surprisingly quite cheap with Sydney Indoor Climbing, at St Peters and Villawood, offering all day access with equipment for $26.

3.     Roller skating and ice skating: If balance is your thing roller skating and ice skating might be your perfect new hobby and health habit. As well as burning up to 370 calories in 30 minutes it also tones your legs, thighs and bum and is perfect for a first date. And with the ability to do both inside or outside depending where you are you can do both pretty much year long.

4.     Trampolining: If you are still living at home I bet you have a trampoline from your child years rusting in the backyard. Jumping around, back flipping (or at least trying to) and star jumping not only takes you back to being a kid but also burns some serious fat: a 70kg person burns an average of 257 calories in 1 hour. And if you chuck in some fancy moves, jump lunges and squats you can also tone up.

5.     Mini golfing: Ah, mini golfing the lazy man’s golf and probably the most over used first date idea next to the movies. But as lazy as it may seem hitting balls at weird faces and miniatures of world monuments can actually burn 136 calories in 1 hour. Not bad for something a 5 year old can even master.

6.     Shopping: Spending your cash need not be as depressing anymore. 1 hour walking around and trying on some new dresses can burn up to 97 calories. I guess shopping is a respective cycle then

7.     Trapeze School: The circus classic is now available to everyone with schools popping up just about every month. Sydney Trapeze school at St Peters offers trapeze lesions for as low as $55 and even 10 week intensive workshops where you can perform in your own finale show. As well being fun and just a little strange Trapeze burns hundreds of calories and works basically every muscle in your body particularly your core. And while you are there you can also take a silk class or learn classic circus tricks.

8.     Sex: An oldie but for a reason. Being the dominant partner and working hard in the bedroom 2 to 3 times a week can burn more than 200 calories. Another plus is sex also makes you less stress and happier (if you didn’t already know that).

*The calories are averages of persons of certain weights and heights use a reliable calorie calculator to get a more accurate rate for yourself

-Mia Kibbler-