Exercise Groups

Are you tired of doing the same cardio exercises at the gym?  Do you end up exercising alone most of the time?  Make some changes to perk up your workout and make it fun and challenging again.  

Exercise groups of all kinds can help energize your workout.  Form a walking group with friends, family, coworkers and/or fellow gym patrons to add variety to your cardio workout.  You may also band together with others who have something else in common with you, such as diabetes or pregnancy.  Walk in parks, around the neighborhood, at the mall, or any other suitable spot.  Change the route or intensity or both to add challenge as members get stronger.  For example, walk farther, walk faster, introduce hills, or maybe even plan day- or weekend-hikes in the nearby countryside or mountains.  You could also team up to walk a 5K or American Cancer Society Relay for Life event together.  You can also swim, do water aerobics, cycle, or play tennis or racquetball.  You can get together for weight training sessions, too, as well.  The options are wide open. 

It might be helpful to invite people at about the same fitness level, but getting together with individuals of all ability levels is possible too.  It just might challenge those who are not as advanced to push harder.  Don't overdo it, though.  If you find yourself in a a group that seems to be too advanced (or not advanced enough), consider putting together your own group with others who are a better match. 

Always make sure you exercise in a safe place, follow all rules and reguations, stay hydrated, use sunscreen if you work out outside--and have fun!