Mentally stimulating physical activity classes?

[Rajah]

(Okay, *you* figure out a better name for this topic. LOL!!!)

I'm trying to find some kind of physical activity class my DH and I could take together for some exercise.

I personally am interested in the Martial Arts (though not so much sparring as the moves) and almost any kind of dance.

He's totally nixed both of those and is only interested in going for walks. Which I know we won't stick to, because we've said 10 times now "let's start going for walks" and never get beyond that point. Especially in *Houston* where we have, what, 2 weeks if that of decent weather to go for walks outdoors? So I want something with a *class* that we'll stick to and can do indoors.

I am *totally* not into gym activities: running, exercise machines, lifting weights, etc. I want something that is "mentally stimulating" in that you start off basic and really improve and move up in levels. One of the reasons the Martial Arts interest me.

DH also isn't really interested in the gym, nor is he interested in the pool or we could go hang out at the pool and have fun.

Neither of us really have any interest in sports, so anything like basketball, softball, etc is pretty much out.

I've run out of ideas. Any other suggestions?

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Any kind of dancing?

What about a gym that has an indoor track? You could walk around that.

 

[gshoemate]

What about Yoga? Now don't laugh, it's not as easy as it looks. I take a class at the Y, well actually 2 classes. One is more stretching but the other one kicks my butt, and I consider myself in fairly good shape. There are differant kinds of yoga so if you don't like one instructor, try another. I have found that if I go to long without a yoga class, I get stressed from the day to day stuff.

 

[Rajah]

DH isn't interested in Yoga, and I've tried it and it's not really for me (as a whole) either.

As for walking around the track -- just the idea of that makes my brain scream BORED!!!!

My mom and I just signed up for a Tae Kwan Do class (at least for the first month) and I'm going to see if I can get DH to change his mind about it, but I highly doubt it.

 

[JulieM96]

Rajah,

I'm glad you and your mom decided to sign up for Taekwondo anyway. I was going to suggest you give it a try because schools sometimes let you try it out for free for a couple weeks or more.

I started Taekwondo three years ago and absolutely love it. It's great exercise, but it doesn't seem like exercise. With every new belt there's new stuff to learn. It progressively gets more difficult, but it's gradual enough that the goals are attainable. Plus, it's something DD15 and I can do together. I've also enjoyed helping out as an assistant instructor, especially with the kids. And I've met some great people there.

I'd love to hear how it works out for you. I'm taking the black belt test next weekend, and if I can do it at 45 then it's certainly doable for others.

Good luck,
Julie

 

[Rajah]

Thanks Julie. We have our first class tomorrow, and I'll let you know how it goes. The instructor is great and the introduction we had made it really seem like something we could both do, so I'm looking forward to it. And so is she.

Now if only I could convince DH to go, too.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

What about Tae-Bo???

I just joined the gym and I am taking a "Body Sculpting" class. It really makes you feel energized!

I hope you find something because it feels GREAT to workout.