The road to a healthier lifestyle includes regular exercise. Unfortunately, working out can feel like an additional chore on top of your other daily responsibilities. If you find it hard to get up from your desk or sofa to do some physical activity, why not give the following strategies for making exercise enjoyable a shot? You may find that all it takes is a slight adjustment or two to motivate you to stick to your planned workout routine.
Turn on Music or Audio
Music is a universal pleasure. It taps into our thoughts and emotions deeply, so the right soundtrack can galvanize yourself to tackle your exercises with vigor. Put on some headphones or, if you’re at home, pump up a speaker when it’s time to get moving. Personal tastes will guide what you choose to turn on, but generally, energetic songs will create a likewise energetic mood. Of course, some people prefer relaxing tunes, cool podcasts, and informative audiobooks as well. These can add interest to somewhat bland exercises. Listen to whatever makes you feel good so that you can associate those feelings with working out. Next time you need to exercise, it won’t feel so difficult to start since you’ll have something to look forward to.
Track Your Progress Over Time
Getting stronger, becoming more flexible, and losing weight are all common exercise goals. But they also all take a long time to build up. You won’t see results immediately after exercising for only a few days or so, no matter what you’re doing. To remind yourself of the progress you’re actually making, journal your results after each workout session. You could write in a physical notebook or type in a document on your phone or computer. Every so often, look back at what you’ve written and see how much more weight you’re lifting or how much more distance you can now run compared to before. This can spur you on to continue, since you’ll feel proud of what you’ve accomplished so far. It’ll also serve to remind you that your efforts aren’t in vain.
Try a Variety of Activities
Sticking to the same exact set of activities can get dry after a while. In addition, some people simply don’t like certain forms of working out. Therefore, a strategy for making exercise enjoyable is to try a variety of activities. You don’t need to just stick to traditional “gym” exercises such as pushups, sit-ups, squats, or running on a treadmill. There are plenty of things you could do to stay active. You might include sprinting in your workout, which can be more fun than slow-paced jogging. Alternatively, you could play sports like skiing and ice skating if conditions are snowy and icy where you are. Biking is another activity lots of people find fun. You could cycle in your neighborhood or visit trails designed for bicycle riders complete with scenic views. If you’re just beginning your fitness journey, electric bikes can help you stay fit because they’ll give you the support of a motor when you begin to get fatigued. Don’t be afraid to mix things up to find what truly works for you.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
