Do you remember when you were a kid and all you wanted to do after school was go outside and play? It seems like we lose that desire when we grow up. Eventually you fall into a routine and the next thing you know, you just want to go to bed when you get home from work.
It really doesn’t have to be that way and it shouldn’t. If you think about why you were so eager to go out and play as a child, it was likely because of the very act of “playing” in and of itself! The games were light hearted and fun and you got to spend time with your friends. If your outside time only consists of lawn chores or cleaning up after the family pet, it can easily lose its appeal!
If you are having trouble staying motivated to stay active, perhaps the problem isn’t motivation at all! Perhaps the problem is actually in the activities that you are choosing. Try a new sport or activity, recruit a friend or group of friends to go with you and remind yourself why you loved to go outside and play when you were young!
Here are some great sports and activities to try if you want to get yourself motivated to get back outside:
- Swimming: Whether you choose a pool or opt for a local lake or beach, swimming is a fun activity that gives your whole body a work out. It is great cardiovascular exercise, and being in the water helps support your joints while the muscles do the work. This is ideal for anyone with arthritis or other joint health issues.
- Disc Golf: Each disc golf course is unique, so the level of difficulty of each course changes depending on where you play, just like it does in regular golf. When just starting out you can choose a flatter, shorter course and progress to a more difficult course when you feel comfortable. This can be a great game alone or with a group. Plus a lot of courses will even allow you to bring your dog along!
- Cycling: Cycling is great because you can go as fast or slow as you want and as far or short of a distance that suits you. You can incorporate cool destinations or special views along your cycling route to keep it interesting. You can also use cycling as a method of transportation when you are close to home. It’s environmentally friendly, saves you on gas money and burns calories, all at once!
- Walking Football: If you have never heard of it, that is likely because walking football is pretty new. It really took off around 2011, and has become popular among older folks who loved to play as kids. Walking football is actually the game of soccer with no running. It was developed in the UK and is taking the world by storm!
Before You Go
Keep in mind anytime you are going out for physical activity that you need to be well nourished and well hydrated. It is best to take a bottle of water with you. Make sure you take the weather into consideration and dress accordingly, often layers work best when your amount of activity varies throughout the day. Lastly, wear proper shoes. It is important that you have the right support for the activity that you choose to participate in.
If you have been missing out on activities with friends or family because you suffer from back pain, a stiff neck or other aches and pains in your muscles and joints, now is the time to get help. Don’t let another summer pass you by. Visit North Atlanta Chiropractic Center online now for your free consultation. Regular chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to manage your pain and get yourself back in the game.
5 Lifestyle Changes that Really Do Help Relieve Back Pain