Alternative keep-fit ideas. Not what I’d expected!

Two weekends of celebrations and DIY – and much less outdoor activities than normal – have got me thinking about a range of alternative keep-fit possibilities. You see, after a full day of shopping, a Greek wedding, a charity fundraising party and a spot of DIY, I have suffered sore muscles in places that I didn’t realise could still become sore. It seems clear to me now that while I keep-fit by running, walking, cycling, spinning, swimming and doing Ashtanga yoga there are muscles that are not being given a proper workout. Otherwise, why would my calves, shins, hips, back and shoulders have felt so sore despite a reduction of “normal” fitness sessions over two weekends?

Shopping and dancing offer a great fitness work out

Shop til we dropped...

The answer is that shopping, partying and dancing offer an even great workout than I’d ever imagined. First, was the shopping. The G-Force and I were in London for a wedding so we headed to the new Stratford Shopping Centre for a bit of retail therapy. This is not something we would normally do but occasionally (like every decade) I need a new dress and party shoes! The walking, bag carrying, travelling etc left the pair of us shattered.

Next was a friend’s Greek wedding. Wow! I’d never realised how well the Greeks can party and this celebration really used up a lot of energy, especially our dancing muscles. Carrying heavy travel bags between train stations and hotels added to the muscle fatigue.

Just a week later, the G-Force and I danced the night away on Glasgow’s Renfrew Ferry at a charity gig bash in aid of the Fragile X Society. I can’t say that our dancing was stylish (not at all!) but we had a

Dancing benefits

huge amount of fun grooving to three great bands – and for days afterwards I felt as though I’d run a marathon. Sore leg muscles, hip flexors and upper arms were just a few of my complaints.

DIY way to a more toned you

Add to this a day of paint scraping, filling and ceiling painting at home and it’s no wonder that I have been feeling a little exhausted the past couple of days.

So while I would normally blog about doing lots of outdoor activities, I am now seeing a range of physical benefits to shopping, dancing and DIY-ing. I never imagined I’d ever write any of this!

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