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Working out in the town gym is the best and fastest way to raise the athletic skill. When at the gym, they will raise this skill faster because they will enjoy the pleasant environment. There is a variety of activities that Sims' can perform to increase and improve their athletic skill and abilities.
Swimming: Sims can swim for free in neighborhood pools or they can put out some money and install a pool in their own backyard. There is only a small chance of drowning, but athletic Sims should not have to worry about this at all. Swimming is also fun for Sims.
Stereo or Television: These two items allow Sims to raise their athletic skill by using items they already have in their home. Both items provide the same workout in the Sims 3. The workout includes squats, jumping jacks, and side to side stretching. Though Sims can do the cardio challenge with these items, it is not recommended, because it will not add to the stat tracker of the marathon runner challenge. If they want to go for this challenge, they should go for a jog or use the treadmill because these activities will add to that challenge's stat tracker.
Treadmills: To increase athletics in the Sims 3, the treadmill is a solid choice. Sims can head to the town gym and use the treadmills there or they can purchase a treadmill for their home. They can be purchased in buy mode in the study tab under indoor activities. Treadmills will add to two athletic challenges' stats: the fitness nut challenge and the marathon runner challenge.
Exercise Machines: Sims can head to the town gym and use the exercise machines for free or they can purchase them for their home. They can be purchased in buy mode in the study tab under indoor activities. However, Sims will enjoy boosting their athletic skill faster by using exercise machines at the gym. It is recommended to primarily use these at the gym and then, if the Sim can afford it, have one in the home for Sims when they want to exercise really early or really late in the day. Exercise machines will help Sims work toward achieving the body builder challenge by lifting weights.
Jogging: In the Sims 3, players can actually join their Sims on a jog, unlike in the Sims 2 where they just disappeared and eventually came home. In the Sims 3, Sims need to achieve the first level of athletics skill before they can go for a jog. Sims can jog through town or they can head to the park and jog amongst nature. Jogging through the park, and through some areas of town, will also be visually appealing for Sims. This athletic skills will help Sims work towards achieving the fitness nut and marathon runner challenges.