Commit to be Fit
Get Off the Couch!
You don't have to be a gym rat to burn calories and stay fit
If you’re just not into the gym, or step classes or lifting weights while other watch, don’t worry. The list of ways to get in some exercise – and enjoy it – is endless.

The key is to determine how you like to spend your time. The bottom line is, if you don’t choose something you enjoy, you won’t do it. Trust me, it’s only a matter of time until you abandon the activity and head back to the couch.

Do you love animals? The Capital Area Humane Society and The Franklin County Dog Shelter each have a great way for you to get some exercise. They desperately need dog walkers. Just show up as often as you like and take the shelter dogs for a walk.

“It is really a wonderful way to not only get some exercise, but to give these homeless animals the TLC and human interaction they crave,” says Susan Smith, F.C. Shelter director. “I have one lady who comes out a couple of times a week. She’s very fit and trim!”

The best part: You’re working your heart in two ways. Not only will you reap the rewards of a cardiovascular workout, but your heart will also benefit because, let’s face it, there’s nothing like puppy love.

While we’re talking about animals, when was the last time you went horseback riding?
It’s a great form of exercise. Climb on, and after an hour of squeezing those thighs, you’ve burned more than 200 calories!

If horses aren’t for you, jump on a bicycle instead. The City of Columbus now has a great series of trails that connect more than 48 miles. You can travel from one side of Columbus to the other with hardly a stop. Cycling is one of the most efficient forms of exercise. It’s great for your heart and easy on your bones.

Because it’s still winter, why not try something seasonal? For the young and young-at-heart, ice skating is a great way to workout. Sherri Kielian would take her daughter to skating classes and sit in the stands waiting for the hour to end. One day, she decided that instead of just watching, she’d start skating, too. Today, mother and daughter travel together competing in skating contests!

“Who needs the Buns of Steel workout? Just do a half-hour of crossovers and you’ve beat that hands down,” says Kielian. By the way, her legs look great, too!

Speaking of great legs, has Dancing with the Stars inspired you to tango, two-step or tap? An hour on the dance floor can burn more than 320 calories and have you in fine shape for dancing during the spring wedding circuit.

If all else fails, go to the video store. There’s a wide array of workout tapes. In the comfort of home you can get buns and abs of steel, Tai Bo to your heart’s content and learn yoga without worrying about anyone watching.

The choices are endless. But choose wisely – time is a terrible thing to waste doing something you don’t enjoy!

Watch Andrea Cambern on 10TV News HD weekdays at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. and at 10 p.m. on WWHO-TV.








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