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If you are like me, you get bored somewhat easily from doing the same things over and over again.  Therefore, I like to switch it up on occasion with my fitness routine.  A fun way to do this is to create a Fitness Scavenger Hunt.

What is a Fitness Scavenger Hunt?

If you have ever participated in a scavenger hunt before, then you know that you usually have a list of items that you must find or things that you must do when you see certain things.  A fitness scavenger hunt works along those same lines.  You have a list of physical activities that must be performed when you run into certain conditions or equipment.  Ideally, you will be outside with a walking/running trail or path of some sort, but you can create one for just about any location.

How does it work?

Let me give you an example of how it works.  I start out doing simple cardio, walking or jogging, on a trail in my local park.  If I pass a bench, I have to stop and do 10 jumping jacks.  I then continue jogging.  If I pass a water fountain, I have to start doing lunges until I come across a crack in the sidewalk.  This goes on depending on what I have on my list of stopping points and exercises. 

Another way to do this is to create a list of things You MUST find and do the corresponding exercises.  For example, you have a list that says you must find 3 different benches and do jumping jacks at each one.  Then you must find a pile of leaves and do sit-ups.  This is just as fun and can allow you to plan out a good workout since you have to find all those particular items.

What can be used as a stopping point?

The short answer is that anything can be used as a stopping point.  For example, if you are doing this in your neighborhood, you might use stop signs, fire hydrants, a certain color flower, someone walking their dog, etc.  In a park, you might choose to use benches, light poles, piles of leaves, bicyclists, or water fountains.  It depends on where you are doing the fitness scavenger hunt and what you want to focus on.  Obviously, you want to get some of the exercises in so don’t make your stopping points too obscure or rare.  Once you decide on some good things you might run into during your hunt, you can then assign exercises to them. 

What are some good exercises to include?

I like to include anything that can be done using just my body weight and whatever is present in my environment.  Lunges, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups are all good options.  I always try to include a mix of arm and leg exercises. If you are doing this on a trail in the woods, you might choose to use a heavy log you find to do some arm exercises.  Or, if you are able to create a hunt indoors where this is exercises equipment, you could incorporate some of the machines. 

A fun alternative to the outdoor hunt is to create one for when you are watching television.  Every time someone does something on your list, you do the corresponding exercise.  For example,  anytime someone in the show or movie says, “No way!”, you do 20 crunches.  This way you can get your tv fix while also staying fit and not becoming potato à la couch.

To get you started, I have put together a Fitness Scavenger Hunt for you.  Use it as is or use it as an example to create your own.

THE FITNESS SCAVENGER HUNT

This Fitness Scavenger Hunt is specifically for a public park with a walking trail and a playground.

• Walk or Jog around the trail. 

• When you see or pass the following items, do the corresponding exercise:
  • Bench – 10 Push-Ups (for easier push-ups, lean on the bench)
  • Bike Rack – 20 Sit-ups
  • Pile of Leaves – 20 Jumping Jacks
  • Monkey Bars – 10 Pull-ups (or just hang there and keep trying to pull up)
  • Log – Find a somewhat heavy, but easily picked up log and do 20 bicep curls.
  • Picnic Table – 20 Squats

• If your park is on the smaller side, repeat the course 2 or 3 times.

Create Your Own

Now that you have an idea how the Fitness Scavenger Hunt works, create one of your own based on a favorite spot you like to workout.  For another idea, I have created another scavenger hunt based on working out in a neighborhood.  It should work for most neighborhoods.  Sign up below for your copy.