Some people like to "go exercise."

This may involve going to the gym for a predetermined set of time to lift heavy boring metal objects, walking in place surrounded by machines (again, for a predetermined set of time), or just running through the neighborhood. My friends argue I might get shot doing so in my neighborhood, and I disagree, but I digress. Some people love doing those things. Good for them. I am not one of them. I find the idea of hanging out in the gym all the time boring and not as aesthetically pleasing as some of the other scenery in the world. Plus, when I'm home for the summer, I enjoy spending time with my family, and they can't really get out and go to the gym with me.

Therefore, I like to find creative ways to get my physical activity in that I will enjoy and find well worth my time. Listed are some of my faves.

1. Swimming

You can't get gross and sweaty if you're already keeping cool in the water. It's low impact, you can do random flips in the process, you can float, and you can move every limb in your body, generally free from many of the restraints gravity places on the dry land. You don't even have to have your own pool or a membership to do so. JSU has a pool in the Coliseum, and here in Huntsville, we have two natatoriums, one of which has this awesome indoor/outdoor patio door thing. I don't even know how to explain it, but it can basically become part-outdoors when it's nice out, and indoors when it's rainy. That's the great thing about natatoriums - they let you swim rain or shine. No membership necessary - just four bucks whenever you want to go swim. Check the hours first. Madison's Dublin Pool also allows one-time admission to their outdoor pool, when you want to catch some vitamin D as well.

2. Zumba

What's better than dancing around to some awesome música latina, without having to be good? Dancing is not one of my spiritual gifts, but Zumba is about getting moving rather than perfecting each and every move. Most of the time I just end up frantically hopping from one end of the room to the other in an attempt to match the dance moves, but I have a fabulous time doing it. I think it kind of helps you improve your dancing over time as well, if dancing is not one of your spiritual gifts either. JSU has classes on campus (at least during the normal school semesters) for free with your student ID, and several churches and gyms also hold classes likely around where you live. Just check their website for the classes nearest to you. Better yet, if your schedule is unpredictable and you still want to get your bailando in, look up videos on YouTube. No one but your roommates can judge you if you Zumba in the privacy of your living room.

3. Outdoor Yoga

You won't burn many calories doing yoga, but there is so much more to life than burning calories. Flexibility is still super important, and yoga can make such a difference in how you feel. (Besides, in case you didn't know this, if you burn all the calories you eat, you will die. So when you hear people say it will take an excessive amount of exercise to burn off a certain meal, that's because you don't need to burn off ALL THE CALORIES you eat. End rant.) Yoga or stretching is relaxing in and of itself, but going out on your deck, patio, or to your local park to appreciate nature can significantly improve the experience.

4. Riding Your Bike

If you do not have a bike, I am sorry for your loss. Look and see if your city has city bikes you can use because biking is an awesome way to get moving and go some distance. Explore lesser-seen places of your neighborhood, feel the breeze rush through your hair, feel the summer sun on your skin, go ride a bike. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

5. Walk / Run With A (Furry) Friend

I am not a fan of just running or walking by myself, but some of my favorite high school memories were when my friends and I would get together and just walk the neighborhood for hours on end talking, or "walk and talk." Even today, if you just want to go burn some energy and go for a run, it is safer and more enjoyable to bring a friend, or 2, or 6. Similarly, your dog probably wants to go explore the neighborhood, and it is so good for him too. You both get vitamin D, an energy boost, it prevents his nails from getting too long, and it helps you bond. Whether you've got a slow-moving pup that likes to take a leisurely stroll, or a high-energy racecar of a dog, getting out and moving is a lot more fun than just sitting.

6. Sand Volleyball

I haven't done this in a hot second, but this was one of our regular activities as a youth group, and it was so much fun. It works even better when you get one of those ginormous beach balls, but grab some friends and pretend like you're on the beach for a bit. We have several courts in Huntsville just down the road from one of the natatoriums (free of charge?), as well as one on the JSU campus as well. If you're somewhere else, check and see if your Parks and Rec Department has a sand volleyball court you can use. Start recruiting some friends to go and stick your toes in the sand! Pro Tip: Go for those dramatic dives. It's sand. You'll be fine.

7. Go Shopping

Awh man, this is where my paycheck goes. If you enjoy shopping, walking around the mall, across a giant shopping center or up and down all the aisles of Target (I know you've done it) is a lot better for you than just sitting at home watching Netflix. Just try to watch your wallet. Hit up Dollar Tree, the clearance racks, or if you have good self-control, just window shop.

8. Housework

I hope I'm not alone on this one, but I love cleaning. When I find myself just sitting bored, getting up to sweep, dust, deep clean, rearrange furniture, organize, or any kind of housework gives me something fun to do and leaves the house looking even better than I left it. It's a win-win for my body, my house, and those who share the house with me!

9. Replace Your Boredom Eating

You should eat when you're hungry, not when you're bored. If I feel full and still want to go for a bag of chips, I know I need to get up and do something else. It's hard to make yourself miserable eating when you aren't hungry if you are kicking a ball outside, jumping rope, gardening, walking around the block, or putting dishes away. Getting something that keeps me physically active helps me stay entertained, alert, and warm if your house stays as cold as mine.

10. Move Between Commercials

We all love our TV, and this is where Hulu's commercials have a perk (as this won't work when you're binge-watching Netflix.) I love commercials because I swear they have the best music. You don't have to leave your own abode to stay physically active. While you're on break from your featured programming, get up and dance. Do flips (don't hit anything). Do push-ups. Dance like nobody's watching. Dance while people are watching. Make them laugh. Make them dance with you. Judge them when they refuse to dance with you. Keep dancing. Play with your dogs or your parakeet. Run in place. If you can get up and do something for five minutes every fifteen minutes for however long you're watching TV, it helps. Every little bit helps. And I feel happier and healthier the more I move. I don't dread going to the gym because I don't go that often. I just try to move whenever I think about it.

You don't have to go running this summer if you don't want to. Do something a little more interesting.