Scare Fat Away, with Extreme Sports

Are you passionate about anything which involves you breaking a sweat? Have you got a sport you’ve been into for years and couldn’t imagine giving it up? If not, don’t worry, just realize that finding a sport you’re passionate about can be the key on your way to having fun and losing weight. Problem is; some of you might not be entirely motivated thinking about playing a game of soccer, or throwing a ball through a hoop.

I’m here to tell you there’s a different kind of sport which will not only supply fun in abundance while you’re doing it, but also motivate you in your exercise programs when you’re not doing it. You’ve seen it all over t.v. and likely seen videos on YouTube of people injuring themselves nastily while doing it. Extreme sports can be a great way to get back into exercise, and you don’t have to be featured on YouTube’s nastiest hits to get a lot out of it, and you don’t have to be a fitness god to get started.

Here’s a quick list of extreme sports you can safely get into, break a good sweat, but still get a kick out of:

1. Rock climbing- Visit your local indoor climbing gym to get down the basics and get the feel for climbing sheer rock faces. The level of challenge here is extremely variable, and accommodates you, your kids and probably your 60 year old mum & dad should they not have any major injuries. If you like rock climbing, you can buy some fairly cheap gear on the internet, or through the climbing gym you attend. Depending on your inclinations, you can stay inside on the wall and find insurmountable challenges that take you years to accomplish, or take it into the ‘real world’ with bouldering (a challenging mini rock climbing exercise without need for ropes), or get onto some massive rock faces in some beautiful places around the world. Ever thought of taking a holiday to Colorado to climb a 500m high rock face in the summer? That’d make good water cooler talk for when you get back to work, don’t you think? Get motivation: here.
2. Downhill biking/Mountain biking- Fungredients to start with: You, one mountain bike, one dirt track… add friends for extra fun factor. Mountain biking is one of those sports where you really do set your own challenge factor. Start on a local reserve’s dirt tracks, build up your balance, fitness and dexterity on the bike, and go from there. You’ll get some great scenery, a great work out, and the ability to work towards the crazy and dangerous end goal of conquering a brutal downhill run where small mistakes will probably cost you numerous broken bones. You don’t have to go anywhere near that level of course, but some of us like a little danger to make us feel alive outside the cubicle at work. Try downhill911 for trail locations, or your local bike shop. Get motivation: here.
3. Parkour- The new craze sweeping the world, also known as “free running”, is one you want to have a go at with a good group of friends, in your favorite urban or outdoors location. Parkour is described by its creator David Belle as, “Getting over all the obstacles in your path as you would in an emergency situation. You want to move in such a way, with any movement, that will help you gain the most ground on someone/something as if escaping from it, or chasing toward it.” Start small and develop the core disciplines of balance, and proper landing techniques so that you don’t hurt yourself on landing. A few quick idea’s to get you started are:
   1. Vault over low objects, such as park benches
   2. Walk over difficult to balance surfaces (again keep it low so you can jump off safely)
   3. Swing from sturdy low branches
   4. Swing around sturdy light poles and other steel beams in an elegant fashion.

   Combine all of this into a basic jogging regimen and you have the beginnings of a parkour routine. Check out any number of parkour groups on the internet and see if you can locate anyone willing to teach you nearby. Get motivation: here.

4. Surfing- Truly one of the most enjoyable sports you can ever engage in. Challenge yourself, have fun and get that surfer’s body look at the same time… while it might take you numerous trips to be able to stand up on a surfboard and ride a proper wave, the euphoria that accompanies this feeling is famous with the sport of surfing. Check out the classic (if not now totally cliche) Point Break, starring Keanu Reeves if you want to get a taste of the sport. But better yet, go out and hire a long board, a wet suit, and get out there yourself. You won’t regret it, I promise! Get motivation: here.
5. Skiing and snowboarding are another pair of sports which can give you a great buzz and a workout at the same time. Get out for a day skiing and develop some great leg muscles and have fun at the same time. I need not mention the beauty of the snowfields around the world, and that working out with a mission to get yourself in snow shape for your next holiday is about the best motivation you can get. Granted, this one is a bit pricey for those on a budget to get into, but if you’re lucky enough to live nearby an indoor ski slope, thank your lucky stars and get out and try it. Get motivation: here.
6. Lastly on today’s list is paint balling. Paint balling for exercise you say? Indeed I tell you! Another great sport to invite a big group of mates along to, paint ball is one of those sports where you get a fantastic all over workout from short sprints, squats into cover, kneeling to aim, and not to mention the rush of nailing a friend with a well placed shot. Those of you with a competitive streak will especially appreciate the workouts paint ball can deliver. Legs, arms, and most of your upper body will cop a hammering over the course of a few hours of the game. Get motivation: here (language warning!).

As I’ve mentioned a couple of times now, if you find a sport, or extreme sport that you’re passionate about, there is nothing better than using your passion to fuel your workouts. You can even checkout popular magazines for these sports and find a great deal of motivation from ogling pictures of the top performers in these sports.

Have fun!