Working out is a struggle.
I know.
Waking up early in the morning when you barely have sleep or working out at night after a long day at work. The need to be consistent so you don’t lose the hard work you’ve done.
I always wonder how people can run 10 miles when I can barely make it to 2 without dying. I’m exaggerating a bit in there, of course.
How they can do 5 reps of circuit training and HIIT, how they can be so consistent AND persistent, like really, how?
Well, it turns out the way is to make work out fun. And here are some tips on how to do just that.
1) Work out with a friend
Research shows that people lean towards the behavior of those around them. Working out with a friend or partner motivates you to go to the gym and achieve your fitness goals together.
You can bond over brainstorming new ways and ideas to mix and spice up your workouts.
Modify exercises so you can both enjoy and feel challenged at the same time and the next thing you know, time is up, you’re sweating, and you’re smiling despite the burn you’re feeling.
2) Dance your heart out
Dancing is a whole-body workout so take a dance class or dance in the comfort of your home. It is good for the heart and a good form of cardio.
A 30-minute dancing routine can burn as much as 250 calories, about the same as when you go jogging.
Club dancing counts too!
3) Join a race or a marathon
It doesn’t have to be the biggest and longest marathons. Signing up for races and half-marathons is a good start.
Triathlon also adds the fun of competition. One of the best parts is that you get to train with people who have similar goals.
Having and preparing a goal for the race is one way to boost motivation and fun along the way.
4) Cycle all your stress out
Whether riding your mountain bike, taking a vigorous cycling class or getting on your exercise bike, it improves both your physical and mental health.
Cycling can take you to places; your favorite city, country lanes, and mountain trails.
Ride a bike alone or spend time with friends or your partner.
Cycling classes can be a social activity too; you get to meet new people and find out interesting things and get to try new things together.
5) Take a hike to that trail you really want to go to
You don’t have to climb the highest mountains to enjoy the outdoors and get fit in the process. An hour of hiking burns around 440 calories. The more you weigh, the more calories you burn.
Remember to challenge yourself, feast your eyes with nature’s beauty, and be one with nature.
“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.”
6) Pump up the volume
Put your headphones and turn the music on!
Whether indoors or outdoors, music can improve your performance. Synchronization of your workout can be affected by the beat and tempo of your music.
Have fun creating your own workout playlist and load your music player with what helps keep you moving.
7) Unleash the Kid in You (skip ropes, play games)
Remember that jump rope you love to play when you were a kid?
How about the rides in the park such as monkey bars and tire swing? Those will always be fun and a great form of bodyweight training too!
You can turn any park into a gym and not just unleash your inner kid but your American Ninja Warrior potential as well.
8) Invest in good workout clothes
Channel your creativity and give your brain a boost through your workout clothes; experts call it “enclothed cognition.”
What you wear when you workout can actually influence your behavior and attitude. So, go put on that tank top that makes you feel confident and that comfy pants you can pretty much wear anywhere, and get active!
9) Don’t be afraid to try something new
Fitness doesn’t just happen in the gym.
You can even workout at home or while on vacation somewhere. Fit and fun can also go together in Boxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Yoga, and Pilates.
Sky's the limit when it comes to fitness, if you’re moving, you’re burning.
10) Reward yourself
After all the strenuous activities and tiring exercises, reward yourself once in a while.
“Indulgent incentives” are apparently one of the reasons people get hyped up working out.
Post-workout nap is one of the simplest ways to reward yourself. Purchase that workout clothing you’ve been eyeing for a while and show it off your next workouts.
Material things and delicious foods are really rewarding, but sometimes, all the nudge you need to keep on doing what you do is to acknowledge even the smallest of goals you attained.
You can keep track of your progress by keeping a journal and jotting down notes after every workout. And If you want to see your progress and accomplishments, don’t forget to snap pics of your favorite poses showing your hard work.Takeaways
It’s always worth it to put that little extra effort to achieve the body you’ve always wanted and more.
Don't forget to do a warm-up (for conditioning) and cool-down (to lessen soreness) exercises before and after your workout.
You might also find that some exercises aren’t for you. The key is to find what works best for you and stick with that.
Have fun, and good luck!