Working out. You either love it, or you hate it. However, no matter what your opinion is, it’s still vital for our health and wellbeing. By exercising regularly, we can manage our weight, strengthen muscles, improve immune function, and lower our blood pressure. And that’s not even half of it!
By doing our best to stay fit for longer, we can stay in shape as we age. This is especially important when we consider our senior years. If we can remain fit and active, we will have the opportunity to live at home for longer. Yes, we might one day need live in care but for some of us, this is far preferable to moving into a care facility because of decreased mobility. Keep this in mind, no matter how old you are right now, and let it be an incentive to exercise regularly.
Most professionals recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day or 20 minutes of vigorous activity three days per week. For some, it can be challenging to keep up with this, especially when you can’t keep motivated.
If you’re struggling with this, then keep on reading! In this article, we are going to talk about some tips and tricks to make exercising more enjoyable.
Let’s get started!
Don’t do it alone
One of the best ways to make exercise more interesting is to bring along a friend. Not only will you be able to help each other with your progress, but you’ll be able to talk, laugh, and, most importantly, support each other.
If you can’t find someone that fits into your schedule, then you may even look into joining a group class. It’s a great way to meet new people and get over any fears of working out in public. If you have a furry friend, I’m sure they would be happy to join in too!
Create games and challenges
Working out with a purpose is way more fun than just doing it for the sake of it. You’re more likely to stick to your goals, and you can get others involved. Try finding weekly games and challenges that are unique and exciting. You might even organize a prize for the person who can get the most steps or do the most push-ups. Have a look at some free fitness apps to get yourself started. They have heaps of ideas that you can use, and they’ll record your progress.
Turn on the TV
While it is wise to try and have a break from technology, if you don’t see much of it, it can be a great addition to your home workout. Just turn it on at the start of your training, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get through an entire episode. It’s perfect for those looking to do some light jogging on a treadmill or sitting on an exercise bike. Just make sure it doesn’t turn into too much of a regular habit!
Add variety into your routine
Sometimes doing the same thing day in and day out can become tiresome. To avoid this happening, try and mix home workouts, with going to the gym and outdoor classes. It’s a great way to find what interests you and keeps things exciting. While you can still stick to a general routine (so that you don’t stop altogether), don’t be afraid to be a little flexible. The last thing you want is to make it feel like it’s a chore.
Journal your progress
Exercise shouldn’t always be about progress, but journaling your records and achievements can be another excellent way to stay motivated. You can do this via an app or on paper, but it’s most useful when you write something down every day. If you do plan on noting your weight loss, try and focus more on measurements than on weight. It’s more accurate, and you’ll be able to see your progress easier.
Try something unique
If you’re really looking for a way to make exercise enjoyable, try finding a unique sport to become your new favorite hobby. There are so many incredible activities out there, from rock climbing, karate, yoga, parkour, and ultimate frisbee. It’s a fun way to work up a sweat. Even things like bowling and trampolining can help you get your 30 minutes a day! Think of something you’ve always wanted to try. Dancing With The Stars has led to a huge surge in people taking up dancing. You can do it as a couple, or use an app like Tango Partner to find your perfect dance companion. You’ll be so busy having fun learning the steps, you won’t realise you’re exercising. Even things like bowling and trampolining can help you get your 30 minutes a day.
Pump those tunes
One of the best ways to make your workout more exciting is to play music. It can help get you in the mood and even has been proven to improves stamina. Try checking out an iPhone XR armband so that you can continue working out with ease. You can play your favorite songs or even consider listening to an audiobook or podcast. The options are endless!
Try “Exergaming”
Love playing games? Why not combine it with exercise so that you can do both at the same time! Active video gaming has become increasingly popular, with most different consoles offering some type of exercise sport. You can dance, play boxing, tennis, and even complete full-on workouts. It’s fun, allows for a bit of friendly competition, and you get the opportunity to see your results. It’s perfect for those that are looking for an exciting home-workout that they can do alone or with friends.
Reward yourself
When some individuals study and learn something, they may choose to reward themselves to stay motivated. The same can be done for exercise! If you’ve smashed a recent goal, or completed a full week without missing a day, take time out to spoil yourself! Get that pair or workout clothes you’ve had an eye on, or take yourself out for a nice meal at your favorite restaurant. It’s ok to have a bit of fun here and there; you have earned it after all!
Relax
Lastly, one of the most essential tips to make working out more fun is to remember to relax. Not everyone is built like a bodybuilder, and you’re all going to need to start off at a different pace. Throwing yourself in too deep will cause you to become tired, sore, and stressed, and may even turn you off exercising altogether. It’s better to take things slowly so that you can build your strength and experience. Trust us when we say it really does make a big difference.
And that’s it! These were some tips and tricks to make exercising more interesting. The main thing is to remember that it shouldn’t be a chore. It’s about keeping ourselves fit and healthy so we can keep doing the things that we love.
Good luck!