For those that are fans of walking or jogging, you may also enjoy hiking and the added challenges that it can offer. Not only is it a nice change to get off that beaten path, but you can enjoy nature while exercising and experiencing elevation changes with the lovely sights. Hiking can provide changes in elevation, short climbs and descents that are going to work your muscles in ways that walking or jogging will not, and eventually you can move on to more steeper climbs in even more challenging terrain to enjoy even more beautiful surroundings.
If you are bored of that stationary bike or regular cycling and have moved on to mountain biking but you want a little more of a physical challenge, even just on occasion you may be interested in dirt biking. While you are not going to get that leg workout you would using pedals, this activity requires really good upper body strength to steer that heavy motorized bike around the course. Keep in mind that you are a beginner, so don’t be expecting to be able to do any of those tricks and flips until you completely master the motocross machine.
Snowboarding and skiing can provide some very impressive sights while you are engaging in a great workout as you are navigating your way down hill through the course. These activities can provide a total body workout that will have you working up a sweat even in all that snow.
If there is a daredevil in you imagine all this while soaring in the air. Hang gliding is one of the top daredevil sports that lets you join the group of about 1% of the people who see the world at a bird’s eye view. Additionally bungee jumping gives you that daredevil adrenaline rush in which a few seconds provides a lifetime of memory. But these adventures are not for the faint of heart.
For those of you that love water and want that next step, scuba diving may be the answer. Many cities have places that offer training courses at pools to help you get ready for that adventure in open water. Scuba diving is still swimming, but you are doing this underwater in a quiet peaceful manner that allows you to enjoy discovering sights and creatures in an adventure that you otherwise would only have seen on TV.
Nature lovers will enjoy orienteering, this is a great social sport that offers a unique physical and mental workout. Many adventure sports are mostly physical in nature but this one is designed to also challenge the mind as it is challenging to identify key points in the terrains and navigate around them, while keeping up with the physical demands to make sure that you get to those points in the time that has been allotted to do so.
Kayaking is becoming increasingly popular, and this may be because this sport can be tailored to be exactly the way you want it to be. Those looking for a tranquil workout can simply go to the nearest beach or paddle down a river away from the crowds, while those looking to step up intensity can go down a rapid course from some adrenaline and exhausting upper body workout. There are even beginner rapid courses to start training on before moving to the more challenging rapids, which is highly recommended.
You can enjoy the challenges of rock climbing both indoors and outdoors now that many locations offer courses and training. Rock climbing can provide beautiful sights if outside while obtaining a great work out. However, if you are not a fan of heights this activity is not for you. Provided the proper safety tips are followed, rock climbing can be safe for the trained individual, who will also be getting that adrenaline rush.
Stationary bikes are rather boring, street cycling can be fun, but upping your game to biking on a mountain or hilly trail can also increase your adrenaline levels while taking in some lovely views. Mountain biking is a rather fun way to explore new terrain and discover what is around that corner or up that hill. This activity can provide a variety of elevation changes to physically challenge you, meaning it is not all fun and games because you will be burning calories and working your muscles in a pleasing environment away from all that car exhaust.
Going back to the water, surfing is one of the toughest adventure activities to master, but this offers a workout that can make you feel great from head to toes. This sport is something that you will need to work at mastering over time. This activity may surprise you at just how many of your muscles get used. Surfing helps you to build a rock hard core, strong arms and chest as you paddle in the waves. Some also enjoy boogie boarding and bodyboarding which are said to be more ideal for beginners, and amateurs.
Standup paddleboarding is another excellent water workout that provides upper body training, leg work, and core strength building while being fairly low intensity and fun. In this activity you will be engaging your core muscles and building abdominal strength, and toning lean muscle, while strengthening your arms, legs, back and shoulders taking in the scenery around you.
For the most part the majority of adventure sports are healthy activities that are good for the body and mind in multiple ways, that is as long as you are not pushing your limits too far, take training as required, and are being safe. Yes, I am encouraging people to get up, go outside to exercise, and maybe try something new. There is a big world out there waiting for you to experience. Be happy, be safe, and be healthy. ♥
