“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~Chinese Proverb

 Achieving a healthy body and lifestyle is a journey itself that we must commit to and carry on for the rest of our lives.  Yet we often sit on the idea without taking that first step.  Each day making an excuse on why tomorrow is a better day to start.  “The hardest part is the start,” many people would comment as they walked out of the gym for the first time in months.  And yet the best part of taking that first step, is the sense of accomplishment that you feel after working out, and the relief of stress from a long day.  After all it has been proven that working out increases the serotonin levels in our brain, an important neurotransmitter that among it’s many key roles makes us feel happier and decreases our chances of feeling depressed.  Therefore, begin a day with exercise and find yourself being in a better mood, with more energy and having a good day.  Don’t be afraid to try something different regardless of how silly you may think it is.  Not to long ago, I was fascinated by the story of a man who took interest in a sport he had never even dreamed about doing, which was figure skating.  As funny as it may sound,  he committed himself to it, was determined, had the perseverance to follow through and achieved his goal of participating in a competition where he earned a medal.  He earned the respect of many, after all its not everyday that a man decides to take on figure skating, a sport just as hard as any.  A sport where not only did he discipline himself to practice countless hours and train his body in a whole new way, but also lost weight, reduced his cholesterol levels and got stronger than ever before doing something he enjoyed.  Exercising through different activities and sports goes beyond the health benefits.  They can teach us discipline, team work, perseverance, better coordination with our bodies and can raise our self esteem.  We need all of these in our daily lives, whether it be at work or in our personal life.

I compiled the following list from activities that I have tried out in the past, sometimes just finding one is a job itself.  I like trying a variety of sports, specially when I get bored of my daily routine or when traveling as it gets you to meet people and explore the city in a different way. Therefore don’t wait, check the following list of 5 activities and events in these major cities for different ways to motivate you to take that first step today.  Whether you live or are visiting these cities for work or pleasure these are worth checking out.

Chicago~

UIC Zumbathon for Haiti- If you like dancing this one’s for you!

Health Benefits: Relieves stress, increases cardiovascular endurance, tones and works every body part as you learn body coordination through dance moves.

The Latino culture is filled with great music and many contagious dances.  Today, who hasn’t heard of Zumba the famous Latin-dance aerobic workout introduced by native Colombian Alberto Perez.  A great workout that has spread throughout the country. 

Dance the evening away while burning anywhere between 600-1,000 calories.

Where: Student Recreation Center at the University of Illinois of Chicago

737 S. Halsted St. Chicago 60607

When:  5:30-7:30pm

Cover:  $5 dollars

Details: If you haven’t gotten a chance to contribute to the Haiti relief, this is your chance to help, during this special event, Zumba instructors team up for two hours of dancing to contagious music and dance moves to songs from salsa, merengue, cumbia and more. Best thing is you don’t need a partner just lots of energy and a desire to dance. If you’ve never tried Zumba before this is a good chance.  I tried my first class in Puerto Rico from an instructor who had danced for years and loved it! Learn different dance moves and burn the calories away.

2010 Fleet Feet Runs

Health Benefits: Tone legs, abs, increase muscle endurance, cardiovascular health and more…

Ever feel like you need a running partner?  I have always enjoyed running, and it is more encouraging when you have a partner to go with.   But, until I can get a dog in my apartment, as summer approaches it was looking like I was going be running solo, that is until I found one of Chicago’s great running clubs that gets people together for weekly runs regardless of your level or goals, and also provides you great discounts on sports clothing and retail.  I first found out about Fleet Feet when trying to find a good pair of running shoes.  I used to suffer from terrible shin pain, that I found out was coming from wearing the wrong shoe during my workouts and the extensive walking I was doing throughout the city.  So if you visit this store make sure you not only get fitted for your shoes, but also check out the variety of activities that you can get involved in, like the running clubs.

With this said this is a special call out to all of those looking to join a summer league, like soccer, football, etc. this is a great way to get in to shape with motivation, speed workouts, injury screenings from participating physical therapy partners and more.  There is a membership price, but why it's worth it is because of the discounts in gear, races, the workouts, and the special events, all for which you would pay for anyway. Check out the details, a great opportunity to join in with co-workers and friends.

Visit www. http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/ under Fleet Feet Nike Racing Team at the bottom of page.

Miami~

Rooftop Soccer-@ Rivergate Plaza in Brickell

Health Benefit: Tone legs, abs, and increase your cardiovascular endurance

With the World Cup right around the corner and perfect Miami weather year round, joining a soccer league could be a great way to receive on of the world’s most awaited events and stay in shape.  In fact one of the owners of this field was a player for Mexico during the World Cup.  So whether it be co-ed, all men or all women, it has my vote on a perfect place for a game.  The benefits a soccer game can have on your body are many, like increased flexibility, an increase in cardiovascular health, and a great way to tone up and lose body fat due to the high intensity intervals involved. 

Going back to this field, I definitely wish I would have know about it when visiting Miami and was looking for a pick up game during my days off.  The field is found at the mid-level of this building, with locker rooms, free wi-fi,  a welcoming venue that brings soccer leagues together and perhaps open for some pick up games.

Visit Miami Sports and Social Club for information about leagues at this and other locations. http://tmssc.playcoed.com/

Also check out NBC article on this field: http://www.nbcmiami.com/around-town/archive/Soccer_Rooftop.html

Los Angeles~

La Jolla Kayak-

Health Benefits: Tone arms, chest, shoulders, and relief stress while enjoying nature

Though La Jolla is about two hours from Los Angeles, it is definitely worth the drive for those who are visiting or who live in LA and nearby cities.  An excellent way to get away from the daily stress a city life (not to mention traffic) can bring, this small town is beautiful and with plenty to do when it comes to health and fitness.  A great way to tone your arms, chest, shoulders and burn more than 400 calories per hour.  Not to mention the great ocean views and tours that exist. 

For kayak information and more activities at LaJolla

Visit: http://www.lajollakayak.com/index.html

San Francisco~

Bootcamp Boxing- Third Street Boxing Gym

Health Benefits: Increases muscle endurance, reflexes in muscles, tones upper body, helps improve speed, and strength

One of the greatest fights in recent boxing history took place between Pacquiao and Cotto this past year.  Two bodies with incredible talent, strength, great reflexes, and endurance were key to this great fight.  Now perhaps you have no intention of becoming the next Pacquiao, but wouldn’t mind having the defined abs and strength. 

Some fitness facilities such as the one in San Francisco, now offer the opportunity to take your exercise to the next level through a boxing boot camp.  A jump rope, boxing gloves, pilates and even yoga are part of this fitness program.

A fitness regimen that is bound to give you results if boxing has been something you've wanted to try.  With a skilled staff with trainers such as; Roman Acosta, who’s professional boxing record includes 44 fights in over 6 years and ranked #8 in the world and  #3 in Mexico and on the other hand Eliza Olson, a pro fighter and light weight world champion, proving that boxing can also be a women’s sport.  With records like these the trainers of this gym have a lot to offer and are sure to work you into shape.

For more information on boxing boot camp check: http://www.thirdstreetgym.com

Most of these fitness activities and type of events can be found in your city.  Check your local sport and social network for other activities and leagues to join.  The main object is to get past the idea that working out involves two hours on a treadmill or doing abs every day.

So if you have tried some of these activities, tell us:

What was the most challenging? What others could you recommend?

Or do you have your own activity or event to contribute, make sure to share!