Fitness Party - Add some fun and motivation to fitness

How can you make exercising fun for adults who are new to fitness, or trying to get back into exercising?

How about a fitness party!

You know, every since Zumba popped up on the scene a few years ago, fitness parties have become all the rave again.

It's a great way to get fit for a certain event, while bonding with a few of your friends.

And, it does not take a lot to get started.

Planning a Fitness Party

Planning is always important when planning any party.  It can be overwhelming if everything is put off to the last minute.  That's why you want to give yourself at least 2 to 3 weeks before the big day to do the following.

• Choose the type of workout you will do.
  
• Send out invitations that matches your party theme
• Create a budget for the cost of the party.  It's possible you can get some of your
  friends to chip in on.
  
• How many people will attend
• Plan the menu
  
• Decide if the fitness party will be indoors or outside
  
• Decide if the fitness party will be at home, a park, or a gym
• Order your party supplies and favors
  

If you plan on hiring someone to facilitate the fitness party then you will need to find out the following:

• How long have they been doing parties
• What is the cost for the party
• What is the min/max number of guests who can attend the party?
• Where will the fitness party be held?  Do they come to your house, or will it be setup in studio setting.
• If they require a deposit, how much?
• What is their cancellation policy?

One good thing about fitness parties is you don't have to worry about decorations because the type of fitness you decide do is the center of the party theme.

Also, remind your guest to eat at least one hour before the party.  After all, they will be exercising so they will need some energy to get through the workout routines.

Choosing a Theme

When you choose a theme create one that is centered around a particular area of fitness.

• Dance (Hooping, Belly dance, African dance)
• Yoga
• Jogging
• Strength training

In addition, you can create games and contests for your party. 

For example, if you decide to host a hoop dance party, then create a contest where who ever can keep the hula hoop up the longest.  Or, who can perform a particular hoop dance move - like the "booty bump."  Whoever wins gets a prize.

Other party games can include video games like Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit Hula Hoop game.  This can be either one or two player game. 

Serve Healthy Treats

You can make eating simple and fun.  One of the biggest problem to living
healthy is eating food that is convenient and provides comfort.  Most of
the time we end up reaching for something that is fattening.  If this becomes
a pattern, it becomes a problem.

So make sure you serve healthy snacks and have them available for your guests
coming to the party.

• Smoothies with protein powder
• Veggie snack trays 
• Fruit trays with various melons and fruits - my favorite :-).

Also, share some health and nutrition information with your group.  Healthy tips
like, if you eat enough, you can burn more calories.  Diets don't work because
no one can stay on them forever.

One of my favorite resources I get nutrition ideas from is "The Eat-Clean Diet" by
Tosca Reno.  It's not a diet book, but a really good resource on how to eat clean.  She has fabulous recipes and tips on shopping clean at the grocery store.

Party Favors

Everyone loves free stuff, don't you?  So why not pickup some inexpensive party favors that your guest can take home just for attending your party. 

• Pedometers
• Water bottles
• Vitamin Packs
• Smoothie shakers
• Protein bars (for post workouts)
• Headbands
• Personalized information cards and healthy recipes
  
  

Hosting a fitness party is the perfect motivator for exercising and burning off those calories.  Once you have gotten your friends involved, you can host a party once a month with a different theme for fitness and food choices. 

Just make sure you have fun!!

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