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Push your comfort zone with these 5 activities

By Promila Shastri

Indulging in favorite exercise routines—swimming, running, yoga, Pilates—is the optimal way to ensure that staying active and keeping fit remains a joy, not a chore. Still, extending the boundaries of your exercise comfort zone by engaging in activities that may not come naturally can provide its own benefits to both body and mind.

An aversion to firearms, for instance, shouldn’t be an obstacle to a friendly game of ‘toy’ gun shooting and improved head-eye coordination. A secret desire to sing, but no formal voice training, shouldn’t prevent a splurge on a professional-grade microphone. The products we’ve selected, below, illustrate that trying something new doesn’t have to be an unrealistic goal or expensive commitment; it only requires the desire to push against accepted parameters—and, ultimately, deepen the lived experience.

Even make-believe combat matches require protection. The OneTigris RAGE Foldable Mask is durable and impact resistant, with a snugly designed skull cap, mesh ear protectors, and adjustable straps that ensure a soft, comfortable fit. Padded fabric cheek sides protect the nose bridge, while proper ventilation and ease of breathing are possible by the lack of pressure points on the user’s face. Adjustable straps ensure a good fit for heads of all sizes.
$22 from Amazon

Enjoy Airsoft battles and other outdoor combat games without the risk of injury with the OneTigris Multicam Tactical Vest. This versatile design features durable nylon construction that’s ideal for both training and competition. The waistband adjusts from 36 inches to 46 inches, and the adjustable shoulder straps extend from 13 inches to 26inches. Its modular system includes plenty of molle webbings for attachments and a loop panel for holding patches.
$125 from Amazon

This Gonex Pickleball Paddle set is USAPA approved, and features a graphite carbon fiber surface and internal polymer honeycomb composition—a combination that yields both accuracy and durability. A weight of only 7.9 ounces per pickleball paddle makes it easy for players of all ages to effortless switch between forehand and backhand. Designed with sweat absorption and cushioning to provide a better paddle grip, this paddle set ensures long hours of playing ball without getting tired.
$55 from Amazon

The CAHAYA tripod boom microphone features extendable legs that nevertheless keep the microphone securely in place, thanks to non-slip foot covers. The tripod’s height can be adjusted from 25.2 inches to 62.2 inches, while the boom arm extends and rotates freely through adjustment knobs that allow for easy positioning and re-positioning. Ideal for everything from performances to speeches, this tripod microphone has an accompanying carrying bag and two mic clips for added convenience and portability.
$30 from Amazon $53 from Walmart

This safety helmet for men and women has reinforced construction, fashioned from ABS and EPS materials that offer extra protection. Whether skiing, snowboarding, or participating in a variety of other winter sports, stay safe with a ski/snowboard helmet that features a sweat-absorbent chin strap and an adjustable element that accommodates different head sizes. The top-grade lining is plush, designed to be breathable while keeping you warm.
$50 from Amazon

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Resisting the urge to stay within the boundaries of what’s comfortable is not always easy. Yet, it’s often the very things that make us uncomfortable that lead to the most thought-provoking and mind-expanding experiences. Whether it’s playing a sport that you’ve never tried before, or repeating an endeavor you’ve already tried—but didn’t particularly like—gently pushing against established borders, both personally and professionally, can teach us a great deal about ourselves and what we’re capable of.

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Promila Shastri
Promila is a New York-based writer, editor, and content creator, whose focus is on visual culture—product design…
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