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Out is in: top 10 recreational exercises for your body and amusement - Aerobics and Fitness Association of America's Decade of Fitness 10-year Celebration

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 1992 by Vida Alikani

As the trend toward exploring nature continues and people's interest in fitness grows, so does the popularity of recreational sports. Indoor workouts and aerobics classes are still a major part of fitness routines, but they are being supplemented by less structured, more adventurous pursuits. The trend is to add variety to exercise programs, according to Judi Sheppard Missett. "The important thing," she says, "is to keep workouts fresh and interesting."

The divergence from high-impact workouts may also be a sign we are tuning in to our bodies' needs and setting more realistic goals. The "no pain, no gain" criterion for transforming the body is being replaced by the realization that achieving strength and endurance can be spontaneous and pleasurable. For example, the rise in outdoor sports participation reflects the need to become more aware of our natural surroundings--to connect with nature.

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The following are 10 examples of recently popular recreational activities which also include low-impact indoor exercises geared toward toning and defining the body.

1. Walking

The popularity of walking can be attributed to the emphasis on the benefits of low-impact exercise. Joint injuries caused by high-impact sports have forced many people to alter their activities and incorporate walking into their fitness routines. While strenuous exercise may discourage beginners or people who are overweight, walking--which builds cardiovascular strength without putting undue stress on the body--can be a good motivator.

2. Hiking

In addition to being a convenient recreational sport that requires no elaborate equipment, hiking is used as a form of physical training. It makes up a part of mountain climbing and is important to cross-country skiing. It is often used as a test of fitness since the duration of walking can be a measure of cardiovascular strength.

3. Mountain Biking/Cycling

Using a more rugged surface and wider tires, mountain biking provides a twist to traditional cycling. Women now make up the majority of those participating in fitness biking. It is predicted cycling will be used more and more as a means of transportation as well as a form of exercise.

4. Mountain Climbing

An example of adventure fitness, climbing is getting more recognition. The main attraction of climbing is the physical and mental stimulation it provides and the opportunity it gives for exploration and creative movement. There are now climbing "gyms" where people can train for the sport. A 15- to 25-foot wall with projections provides the proper surface to practice on. A rope is attached to the climber for safety.

5. Rock Climbing/Bouldering

Rock climbing used to be considered a training exercise for mountain climbing. Its techniques were originally developed by mountaineers who needed to overcome rock surfaces during their ascents. It is now an advancing sport in itself, in which climbers are venturing onto more difficult terrain. Among the kinds of rock climbing are bouldering, crag climbing and big wall climbing. Bouldering combines walking and climbing. Because it is done only a few feet above the ground, it requires no rope or specialized gear--only climbing shoes and gymnastics chalk to keep the hands dry.

6. Triathlons

In its non-competitive form the triathlon is becoming more popular and providing a challenge to serious exercisers who wish to cross-train and excel in a variety of sports. Historically, Southern California is considered the birthplace of triathlons, though the tradition of multi-sport events originated with the Greek Olympics, which included the pentathlon. Although there is a trend toward standardizing the distances of triathlons, the sport leaves room for athletes to set their own performance goals in swimming, cycling and running. Among the benefits of switching sports in a triathlon is the shift of strain from one muscle group to another which increases the length of time one can participate in aerobic exercise. Different muscles are used in each activity, allowing fatigued muscles to rest.

7. Rollerblading/In-Lining

Rollerblading is one of the fastest growing sports used for cross-training and recreation. It can be taken to the boardwalk on weekends or pursued more regularly by passionate in-liners preparing for team competitions. Rollerblading strengthens the knees and ankles and is easier on the joints than running. "Rollerblading can get a lot of people into fitness because it's more like play than working out," says John Butterfield of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "It's going to be one of the exercises of the '90s."

8. Skiing

Although it is predicted the growth rate of the skier population will decrease because of a general slowdown in construction at ski areas, more people will have access to this traditional winter sport. This is partly because more areas are being covered by artificial snow and ski equipment is being improved and made available to skiers. "What may well happen in the '90s," says Al Greenberg of Skiing magazine, "is many vacation resorts might decide they must offer the lowest prices to survive. For skiers, this will mean a choice between more affordable or comfortable skiing."

Out is in: top 10 recreational exercises for your body and amusement - Aerobics and Fitness Association of America's Decade of Fitness 10-year Celebration

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 1992 by Vida Alikani

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