Hobbies That Keep You Fit And Stress Free

Many people in America have a hobby that occupies their spare time to themselves. Some keep it a secret and some flaunt it. Some people are reluctant to admit their own hobbies and others are a more open book about it. A hobby is something that can always be useful to almost anybody. Some people will inevitably debate that a hobby is just superfluous, yet on the contrary, it can save your life by keeping you fit, lean and very healthy. Personally, I have been involved in the performing arts since I was nine years old. My mother put me in ballet, jazz, piano, cello, baseball, football, gymnastics, acting and my all time favorite, baton twirling. Twirling has been in my extended family for almost 61 years and continues with me.

It is statistically and scientifically proven that people who participate in sports, performing arts, or even games are more likely to continue through college, make a career out of theses hobbies and even compete in the Olympics. I must admit, I was a very busy child and always had something to do, or rather, practice for, but nonetheless, I was a happy child with a hobby that stuck with me to this very day. Most parents will contemplate putting their children in after school activities such as sports, arts or crafts. Most parents are unaware that the options these days, are endless. More and more local gyms and schools will be open to extra curricular activities. You have ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop and various other styles of dance classes. You have an open array of gymnastics to think about. there is an always growing list of sports, and many different types of art classes to consider. There is always something to do, so don't get discouraged when it comes to choosing something for your child.

One thing you must always remember, is that whatever the participant is happy with doing, is what they will most likely succeed in. I happened to be most happy with dance and twirling so that is where I spent most of my time on week nights, weekends and my entire summer. I was a bit worried that I'd possibly have to sacrifice my summer and weekends to twirling, but it became a choice that I never regret making. It has taken me all over the globe, and I have met amazing people from everywhere and have made friendships that I hold on to to the present time. Another aspect to think about is that colleges and universities are offering scholarships to students for dancing, twirling, gymnastics, music, cheer leading, sports and more.

Keep in mind, you do not want to force your child into something they don't want to do, this will only create problems with rebelling in the near future. If the child is uninterested in one activity, simply move on to another one. The sky is the limit. These activities can also help with weight loss, building muscle mass, flexibility, hand eye coordination and quick thinking. Take baton twirling, color guard and rhythmic gymnastics for example. They are all beautiful sports to consider and although they all take determination, focus, lots of practice and patience as well as time, they can benefit the participant in ways you may not have even been aware of. All the above activities can and will cause fat burning, gain in flexibility, a rise in metabolism and a high release of stress. Think about it. When a boxer takes their punches at a sand bag, yes, there is ultimately a little bit of pain, yet there is also a release of unhealthy toxins and natural chemicals in the brain that will absolutely sesult in a happier, more calm mood and state of mind.

Same goes with baton twirling, color guard and rhythmic gymnastics. There is an object thrown up, high into the air and usually a graceful dance/gymnastics move done under that toss, hence the physical movement aspect, mostly a catch of that object, which will result in pleasure, confidence and joy therefore, resulting in wanting to continue the activity further. Now take all of that, put it in a very beautiful costume, syncronized to music and displayed in front of an audience. It is quite exciting and very much what we athletes live for. The costumes, the cheers, the music, the awards, the titles, the memories and best of all, the experience of it all.

Never deprive your kids the chance to experience something that they more than likely benefit from such as a hobby. It is also studied and proved that 98% of all people who do have hobbies, particularly in the performing arts or sports, are healthier, more physically fit, and are happier emotionally and mentally.

Don't be afraid to explore the options out there just awaiting you. You just may be surprised at what you find yourself or your children enjoying.