Grown ups just wanna have fun not boring exercise

If exercise is fun, then it stands to reason that we're more likely to keep at it. It seems that the problem with many keep-fit activities is that they are just too dull and repetitive. As well as a lack of time, another big reason for adults shunning exercise is "it's too boring".

But if you think a little outside the boundaries of "normal" exercise, such as going to the gym, running and swimming, it's possible to see a range of opportunities for fun and engaging fitness activities.

For example, have you thought about climbing? Whether indoors or outdoors, climbing is great for strength and toning and also offers advantages of flexibility and cardiovascular benefits. Climbing is more of a "leisure pursuit" and also involves chatting while sorting out belays and next climbs, and breaks for nice cake and coffee. Trying new routes and challenges keeps this sport interesting.

Mountain biking is also high on the fun factor, and great for body toning and cardiovascular fitness. The challenges are there to suit a wide range of people, ages and aspirations. Again, chat and coffee stops are all part of the culture – and you'll rarely repeat the same trail or bunny hop twice so it's very unlikely to become boring.

Outdoor adventure pursuits, including canyoning, gorge walking, surfing, white water rafting and coasteering can be enjoyed on a regular basis. This sports are high on adrenaline and also require you to be physically active. There is no chance of being bored taking part in adventure activities and you'll find yourself pleasantly physically and mentally tired by the end of a session.

Hill and mountain walking: Walking is one of the most accessible, and cheapest, forms of exercise. Walking to the shops or walking your kids to school might become a bit boring, but heading to Scotland's hills and mountains for a walk is completely different. A day in the hills offers physical and mental challenges and will leave you feeling de-stressed and high in spirits. Walking is also a great muscle toner and calorie burner.

Next time you imagine that keep-fit is boring, try thinking of a new activity.

Why kids love outdoor climbing

Looking down from his position six metres above the ground, 10-year-old Thomas cracks a broad smile and briefly lets go of his grip with one hand to give a thumbs up sign. After several minutes of determined climbing, some highly audible huffing and puffing and a fair amount of scrabbling, the youngster’s determination to reach the top of a tricky crag face located amid picturesque Perthshire countryside has paid off.

His 11-year-old friend Ryan is almost as pleased with Tom’s efforts. “Awesome,” he says, gazing upwards. “He’s really good at climbing already, isn’t he? But surely it’s my turn now.”

And so the second that a rosy-cheeked Tom returns to firm ground following a smooth abseil off the summit, Ryan begins to busy himself with the task of tying a rope into his harness and belay system.

For Tom, Ryan and another friend Hollie, also 10, a chance to learn the basics of outdoors climbing for Tom’s birthday treat offers fun challenges and lots of rewards.

Coached by an informative and child-friendly instructor during a morning session the young climbing trio learn how to put on a harness and how to safely configure the rope, harness and belay system via an anchor at the top of the crag.

They have also been shown where to stand while other people are climbing and how to tackle a rock climbing route.

In just a couple of hours the youngsters have made around 10 ascents of increasingly challenging routes along a low but long “sport climbing” crag near Crieff.

Highway 2 Adventure instructor Michael, who can organise bespoke climbing trips and group climbing parties in Angus and Perthshire, says that children are quick learners and make natural climbers. “Most kids instinctively want to climb up and over things and they have this in-built enthusiasm so the activity of climbing is perfect for them,” he says.

“As soon as you show them a few tips about where to put their feet and hands and a bit about body positioning they’re off.”

Michael also explains that climbing does not have to be about reaching the top or being competitive. “The great thing about climbing is that it offers all kinds of goals for all kinds of

people,” he says.

“For some kids simply putting on the harness and getting a few feet off the ground feels like a really big achievement. Others aren’t happy unless that have topped out. But either way there is a lot to be gained for children both mentally and physically.”

In fact, many experts believe that climbing offers an ideal “alternative” fitness activity for youngsters. According to Kevin Howett, development officer at The Mountaineering Council of Scotland, climbing appeals to children who aren’t so keen on traditional sports, such as football or hockey.

Kevin says: “There are no set rules for climbing – other than the safety guidelines – and participants can move and progress at their own pace without needing to form part of a team. Many children love the freedom that climbing brings.”

To find out more about the fun and challenges of climbing outdoors please give Highway2Adventure a call or send an email.

Spring into outdoors action with your family

Spring is here! Most children are off school – or are about to break up for their Easter holidays – so how about planning a great quality day out in Scotland? Scotland's great outdoors is the ideal environment for enjoying some family time together and there is little to beat a few fun and adrenaline-fuelled activities.

Research has shown that families that take part in fun activities together tend to communicate more and with greater effectiveness. They are also more likely to have fitter and healthier lifestyles. And if parents want to set a good and healthy example to their children, then getting out and about in the fresh air is one of the best ways to go.

A day in the outdoors could be as simple as a walk and a picnic. Cycling is another great activity for families as it is highly accessible for a wide range of ages and abilities. Why not check out Glentrek for some great walking ideas in the Angus Glens?

If you are looking for an activity that is a little different and offers a lot of fun and adventure then why not try one of Highway 2 Adventure's sessions based in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland? There is something for everyone, regardless of your fitness and adrenaline-seeking ideas.

Gorge walking is perfect for families with younger children (aged over 12). Your kids do need to be able to swim confidently but it is possible to tailor each activity to suit the family.

Mountain biking is another great activity for children of all ages, and grown-ups of all fitness levels. Highway 2 Adventure can guide you to the perfect mountain biking location for you. Will you choose self-guided, guided or perhaps a skills based session?

Or how about taking on the challenge of climbing and abseiling? No prior experience is required and the activity can be extremely rewarding when you realise how high you've managed to climb after just a couple of hour's of instruction. A lot of the fun is in the descent, too.

For families with older and more confident children, then canyoning and coasteering make a thrilling choice.

Whatever your outdoor aspirations, let Highway 2 Adventure show you how to have a day of fun with your family.

Scotland the adventure destination

Scotland has become renowned worldwide as a top destination for outdoor adventure seekers. Thanks to the stunning and varied landscape, as well as the enthusiasm and expertise of outdoor activity providers and instructors, people come from across the UK and overseas to enjoy easy access to a wealth of fun outdoor pursuits.

Situated in the beautiful southern Cairngorm National Park, yet still close to the vibrant city of Dundee, we reckon Highway2Adventure is in one of the best locations to offer a wealth of outdoor activities, and for all ages and desires.

We enjoy a fabulous coastline on our doorstep with numerous sandy beaches, coves and cliffs.

The shoreline is ideal for adventures such as coasteering, sea kayaking and climbing. Here you’ll also find lots of Scottish wildlife, including seabirds and marine life.

Inland within the Cairngorms National Park are the green and rolling hills of Angus Glens. Waterfalls, rivers, moors and mountains offer the perfect terrain for outdoor activities, including canyoning, gorge walking, climbing/abseiling and mountain biking.

What are you waiting for? Why not book your next trip to Scotland and join us for a great outdoors adventure?