Fit Fitness Into the Indoors

Autumn doesn’t have to put a chill on your fitness routine. “If the cool fall temperatures slow your exercise routine, change to indoor activities—and keep a healthy exercise regimen going,” says Julie Tye, a personal trainer at Salem Hospital’s employee fitness center.

“Changing your exercise routine can be positive,” says Tye. “It will challenge you to strengthen your body in different ways. Plus it’s an opportunity to try new types of exercise.”

Here’s a real kick
Kickboxing is a high-intensity exercise that burns more than 300 calories per 30-minute workout. This activity will condition your body in a very different way from running, but it’s every bit as intense, assures Tye.

“Kickboxing requires proper technique and a certain amount of flexibility,” she warns. “It’s not enough to just watch someone do it. It requires skilled instruction to properly execute the moves.”

When starting a new class, allow yourself to learn the moves at a lower intensity. Then, gradually increase how hard you work. Keep your heart rate in the correct training zone to help you reach your exercise goals.

What a racquet
Racquetball isn’t new. This sport peaked in the early 1980s, before being eclipsed by aerobics, weight machines and other workouts—but it’s still fun. In racquetball, you use almost every muscle in your body. Your heart rate stays high even when you stop between points.

Spin is in
If riding a stationary bike is getting old, try spinning. Spinning is the name for an instructor-led class on stationary bikes. The instructor takes you on a virtual ride, changing speed and resistance.

“That hour workout goes by really quickly, because you’re so mentally involved,” says Tye.

Spinning strengthens your lower body, works your heart and lungs and burns between 380 to 600 calories per hour class. Although others in the class might be working more intensely, Tye reminds exercisers to pace themselves and gradually build their endurance.