One of the most dreaded and taboo words you can hear in today's society is the word "exercise". The majority of people claim they don't have time for exercise in their busy schedule, but the real reason that most of us don't like to admit, is the fact we really just "can"t be bothered'. Furthermore, with today's economy making it harder for us to spend our hard earned cash on extras, the last thing we want to do is to spend money on exercise, and putting our bodies through rigorous activity! It's so easy to hop in the car to go to the local shop that's 50 meters down the road, or to get a takeaway most nights of the week instead of cooking. However, the fact of the matter is if we continue to carry on this way, what will be the state of our health in 10, 15, 20 years time?
Being physically active offers many rewards. Not only can we lose weight, and therefore become fitter and healthier, but we can also reduce our stress levels, make us feel better about ourselves, and increase our quality of life. Many people may agree that going to the gym, running a few miles, or participating in team sports is not their way of fun, and may indeed find it boring. However not all exercise has to be tedious, and as the weather grows warmer, and the days become longer, there are many ways that we can incorporate exercise into our daily routine. Furthermore, by incorporating exercise into our daily lives, not only can we benefit individually, but our friends and family can also benefit, and it doesn't even have to cost us an arm and a leg.
Backyard games are a fantastic way to get family and friends closer together, and at the same time it can provide an alternate way to provide us with cost effective exercise, without it feeling monotonous or boring. The following are just a few ideas that'll cost next to nothing, and at the same time make you feel good about yourself both physically and psychologically.
Badminton is a simple game to learn, and can be played right in your back yard. All you need to play is rackets, a shuttlecock, and a net or something similar that you can use as a net (e.g. a washing line). To learn the rules if you don't already know, you can find tutorials on internet, or access the information in books from your local library. Alternatively, why not make your own rules? It'll be fun, and you, your friends and family can have fun, and at the same time you'll burn a few calories without even realising.
Another fun game to play that will burn off the calories is Dodgeball. If you've not played before, you'll soon get the gist, when a ball is hurdling towards your head at 100mph! All you need to play is a ball (preferably a soft one!). This game is similar to tag, however uses a ball. The aim of the game is for one person to be "it", and in order to get people "out", you have to hit them with the ball (hence the use of a soft ball). The final remaining player (winner) gets to throw the ball in the next round, so making the best of your dodging tactics, will win you the chance to eliminate others the next time round. The argument you and another family member had earlier on at the dinner table could prove to be fatal!
An obstacle course could also be a fun way to get some much needed exercise. Both kids and grown ups will enjoy this creative game, as you can set up an obstacle course with whatever comes to mind (dustbins, skipping ropes, footballs; the list is endless). The purpose of this activity is to get around the obstacle course as quickly as you can. The winner of this gets the ultimate prize… bragging rights!
Other more traditional games include football, basketball, cricket and rugby. Whatever the game or activity, the main thing to remember is to have fun! Remember exercise can be fun, and doesn't have to be conducted in a gym or even a sports hall. You can benefit from the rewards of exercise right in your back yard.
