Many of us don’t actually complete the recommended thirty minutes of physical activity every day. Many of us start out with a noble goal, which at first, we eagerly carry out by heading to the gym and eating healthily. However, after a while, those good intentions fade. Part of the problem is that exercise can often get dull and repetitive. But it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of ways to be more active and make exercise more fun, from wearing shimmer leggings to taking a dance class. Try some of these ideas to put the fun back into fitness.
By Team Savant
Image: Kaylee Garrett
Exercise With A Friend
If you find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning for a tough workout in the gym before you head to work, or you’re very good at finding any excuse to skip exercise after work, then find a gym buddy. If you exercise with a friend, you will have fewer excuses to skip it and might have fun at the same time.
Join A Class
Instead of the usual gym classes, try something different. You could join a class in your local area, like dance lessons, yoga, spinning, Zumba, or swimming. You can have fun, and you might even make new friends in the process.
Exercise Without Realising It
You don’t have to put in hours at the gym to improve your fitness. An hour of shopping can burn 175 calories, while an hour of housework can burn 191 calories. You shouldn’t swap the gym for the mall, but there are lots of things that you can do to stay active that don’t feel like exercise. Go outside and do some gardening. Dance around the house. Go for a walk with the dog.
Reward Yourself
Give yourself a reward in return for the time you spend working out. You could put some money in a jar for every workout that you complete. At the end of the month, see how much you’ve saved up and use that money to treat yourself to something nice, like a fancy lunch or new clothes.
Download Some Apps
There are thousands of apps to help you keep on track. You can keep track of your workouts, what you eat, and how much water your drink, and also get advice and reminders. Browse through some different apps and see which ones you like.
Turn It Up Loud
Instead of working out in silence, make a playlist of upbeat songs that cheer you up to help you keep moving. There are lots of playlists out there already made for working out, or you could make your own with all your favourite tracks. Music can make exercise a lot more fun.
Watch TV
When you finish work, instead of going home to the TV, go to the gym, and watch your TV shows while you’re on the treadmill or the stationary bike. This way, you can workout at the same time as watching your favourite shows.