Tired of doing the same workout routine? It’s time to spice things up a bit! The gym is not the only way to get fit; doing an activity that is both fun and physical can be a great way to get in shape and stay motivated to exercise. You’re also more likely to stick with it because it doesn’t feel like exercise.

According to research by Wilson and Brookfield in 2005, about 50 percent of people who start a new workout program drop out within the first six months. Fitness Expert Jason Lee believes the reason we don’t stick to fitness routines is because we push ourselves too hard to achieve a specific goal, like weight loss, often in a short and unrealistic time frame.

He says, “There are many ways of staying active that can be done outside of a gym like walking, running, and hiking. Exercise and staying active needs to be enjoyable – mentally and physically. Slow, gradual and enjoyable is the key to staying active.”

In Malaysia, there is no shortage of places to get active whether it’s in the great outdoors or in the many indoor facilities. Here are seven places in Malaysia that have fun activities that are also good for you:

1. Running in Perdana Botanical Gardens

While KLCC is a popular choice for walkers and runners alike, there are also many other beautiful trails like Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly known as Lake Gardens). It’s a green haven situated behind KL Sentral and it’s a pretty big place so if it’s your first time going, be careful not to get lost! The park has gardens, hills, stairs and a lake.

Desa Park City also has a great trail for walkers and runners. It has 2.2km loop around a nice lake and it’s surrounded by commercial amenities. It’s also very family-friendly.

Address: Taman Botani Perdana, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur.

2. Swimming at Kompleks Renang

Swimming is not only a great way to stay active, but it also helps you stay cool during the hot summer months. If you don’t have access to a private pool in your own condiminium, there are a few public pools around KL like Kompleks Sukan Bangsar, Komplex Renang Kuala Lumpur, National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil, and PJ Palms Sport Centre.

Address: Komplex Renang Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.

3. Jumping on a trampoline at Jump Street, PJ

This activity is not just for kids, but for adults too. Jump Street is an indoor trampoline park with hundreds of interconnected trampolines from the floor right up to the walls. It also has a special section for children five years and under.

Address: No. 8, Jalan 13/6, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

4. Ice Skating at Sunway Pyramid Ice

Whether you’re lacing up your skates for the first time or you’re a pro on ice, ice skating is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. The skating academy offers ice skating lessons for beginners and children.

Address: Sunway Pyramid Mall, 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

5. Rock climbing at Camp5

Rock climbing is a physically and mentally challenging activity. It forces you to overcome obstacles and challenges while having a killer workout at the same time. Camp5 is an indoor climbing suited for beginners and advanced climbers. If you’re new to rock climbing, best to book an appointment with a trainer until you get the hang of climbing.

Address: 5^th floor, 1 Utama Shopping Center, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.

6. Cycling in Kepong Metropolitan Park

Although cycling in Malaysia can be difficult because of traffic and road safety concerns, there are a few great places within the Klang Valley worth discovering.

Twice a month, a 7km route surrounding KLCC is closed to cars on Sunday mornings to allow for people to ride their bikes in the city. Other places include Taman Jaya Park in PJ, Taman Saujana Hijau in Putrajaya, Desa Parkcity Central Park, and Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM).

Address: Kepong Metropolitan Park, Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.

7. Hiking at Bukit Kiara

Located next to Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Bukit Kiara is an easy and accessible area for cyclers and joggers. It has some challenging tracks in the forest trails and steep uphill, downhill trails, but it’s absolutely beautiful. Beware of monkeys though as they can be quite aggressive.

The paths are well maintained and it’s a good hike for beginners. FRIM and Templer’s Park in Selayang also have good hiking trails and are well-suited for families with young children.

Address: Jalan Bukit Kiara off Jalan Damansara, Bukit Kiara, KL

Whichever activity you choose, remember consistency is key. Staying active is a lifestyle choice. Lee says, “Fitness is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s as important as any other aspect of your life.” So go ahead and get active!

Check out:

• 9 places to hike in KL and Selangor
• 5 hiking trails in Penang for explorers and fitness fanatics