Fit For Summer: Easy Exercise Plan

Below are some easy exercises and sports that will improve your strength, stamina, and overall health. You can have fun while getting fit; you don't have to spend all your time pumping iron. This first section of activities lists team sports and games, so grab some of your fellow Neopets and get exercising. Scroll down to the second set of activities if you're looking for ways to exercise alone.

Gormball

Gormball is a classic Neopian game! All Neopets have great memories of playing Gormball when they were young. If you don't exercise at all, Gormball is a great place to start. The game is played standing, so it gets you out of your chair and onto your feet. You catch the Gormball from the player on your left then throw it to the player on your right. These catching and throwing motions will warm up your arm muscles. To prepare, pick up a copy of Gormball Tips and Tricks. You can also purchase a full set of Gormball gear including gloves, jersey, knee guards, and a mask.

Beach Volleyball

If you go to the beach this summer, you will definitely catch some Neopians playing beach volleyball. Myncies in particular love this sport. Beach volleyball involves a lot of movement, but it is not too advanced and only requires moderate stamina. If you're not in peak physical condition, you can still play beach volleyball. Grab a Beach Volleyball and a pair of Beach Volleyball Socks and head to the beach.

Baseball and Basketball

Baseball and basketball aren't the most popular sports in Neopia, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth playing. If you're new to fitness, start with baseball and work your way up to basketball. Baseball involves some running, but you have time to rest and catch your breath. You can also build arm strength by practicing catching and throwing the baseball. Basketball, on the other hand, is all running! Once you've got some stamina, basketball is a surefire way to improve it and get you ready for the next sport in our list, Yooyuball.

Yooyuball

Yooyuball is the most competitive sport in Neopia--it's the feature sport of the annual Altador Cup. Each land in Neopia has their own Yooyuball team with professional players. Even if you're an amateur, you can have fun playing Yooyuball. The game is played with your feet--the team in possession of the ball tries to kick it into the opposite team's goal. It's a great leg workout! If you're not confident about your abilities, pick up a copy of 1,001 Yooyuball Tips and read it cover to cover. Before you hit the field, make sure you're properly suited up to play Yooyuball. It can be a dangerous game, so you need to wear a chest guard and shoulder armor.

The four activities listed below can be played alone or with others. There's no reason not to add one or more of these into your schedule!

Golf

Golfing is a great way to start exercising. Walking from hole to hole will strengthen your legs and get your heart rate up. You don't need a lot of equipment, just a club and some golf balls. I'd recommend the Wooden Golf Club for beginners. If holding the club bothers your hand, you can use a Tyrannian Golf Glove as well. You can also purchase a Minigolf Hole for your Neohome to practice putting before you hit the green.

Bowling

Bowling is a fantastic whole-body exercise that is perfect for beginners. Throwing the heavy bowling ball strengthens your arms, but it also works your legs as you get into a lunge position when you release the ball. Bowling doesn't involve any running or even walking, so it's a good place to start if you don't have much stamina. The Red Scorchio Summer Bowling Set is excellent equipment to start with for beginners. As you become more advanced, consider upgrading to the Volcanic Bowling Set for a real challenge.

Skiing

Fancy a trip to Terror Mountain? Downhill skiing is a great workout for your legs and arms, but it is one of the more expensive activities to start. You'll need skis, ski poles, ski goggles, and a full set of warm clothing. If you can handle the investment, read Usul Skiing Tips so you know what to expect before you hit the slopes.

Alternately, skiing can be done on the water. Waterskiing also requires an investment: you'll need waterskis, a waterskiing rope, swim clothes, and a life vest. There are no books to prepare you for waterskiing, so you'll have to learn the sport with the help of a friend. Waterskiing is a favorite activity of Jetsams, so try asking a Jetsam for tips.

Boxing

Boxing is a great way to get your heart rate up. It's also the perfect exercise for stress relief. Pick up a copy of Buzz Boxing Basics before you start to make sure your form is correct. Improper form can lead to injury, so it's very important that you're mindful of your body position when boxing. You don't need much equipment to start boxing: only a pair of boxing gloves and a punching bag. I recommend the Chia Clown Punching Bag, pictured above. Nobody likes Chia Clowns.

Start incorporating one or more of these activities into your regular schedule. The activities in each section are listed from least strenuous to most strenuous, so you can start slow and work your way up. Before long, you will be able to keep up with everyone else on the Yooyuball field. Don't forget to read part one of the Fit For Summer series, which focuses on a healthy and nutritious food plan. With a combined food and exercise plan, you'll be fit and ready for summer in no time!