Keeping fit is something we all care about, but which is pretty much universally considered to be difficult to find time for. When you have a demanding job, a busy social life, a house to take care of, and perhaps a family too which eats up your time, it’s all too easy for it to fall to the bottom of the list. But you know what? That makes sense. Especially in this time of social media which bombards us with perfect bodies and influencers constantly, it can feel like pursuing fitness is only worthwhile if you’re maintaining a six pack, can run a marathon, have a 10 inch waist, or can achieve incredible athletic feats.
But in reality, just maintaining a basic level of fitness is all we really need. As long as you can walk back from the shops with a few bags of shopping without feeling like you’ll collapse when you get home, or run for the bus if you need to, or pick up your crying toddler – you’ve pretty much nailed it, in our view.
So when you take out the unrealistic expectations that modern life forces on us, you can start to look for more low key ways to keep fit that actually work for you and your schedule, and don’t expect you to dedicate hours of time every day or even week. So what are some low-key fitness pursuits that can realistically fit into your schedule?
- Badminton
Though badminton is a competitive sport (meaning, there is a winner and a loser), it’s also a very relaxed one which allows you to enjoy the excitement of being involved in a game without expecting olympic level competitiveness or skills. Local badminton groups tend to be cheap, friendly, and welcoming, and so grabbing yourself a badminton racket might be the perfect way to slot low key fitness into your timetable.
- A walking group
If you particularly want to avoid anything competitive, and either dislike or aren’t physically suited to running around, a local walking group may be for you. Walking is a much more effective method of fitness than people think, and it can also be a great way t get to know your local area and meet new friends.
- Swimming
Why not join your local pool, and commit to going to one lane session or aquafitness class a week? Swimming is a low impact sport which means no problems for dodgy knees or constantly pulling muscles, and getting in the water offers a refreshing change of pace which can really help you clear your head.
Though everyone will find a different type of fitness works for them, hopefully this list has inspired you to move away from the unrealistic expectations of the internet and towards finding some low key fitness that works for you!
