How to Make Exercise Fun Again -- If You Don't Enjoy it, You Won't Stick to it!
I was talking to someone recently that basically told me that he was motivated to get in shape, but at the same time he hates working out. He wanted to figure out ways to enjoy working out more so that he could stick with it for once, since he always ends up quitting after several weeks.
This brings up a good point, as most people that keep giving up on exercise are often the ones that don't enjoy it. From my perspective, I don't understand this problem as I love almost any form of exercise and get true enjoyment out of it.
This goes beyond just your typical weight lifting and cardio routines also. You really do need to find forms of exercise you enjoy and that are fun for you if you're really going to stick with them for the long term.
For example, in the last 6 days, here are some of the activities I've done that are loads of fun, but also keep me in great shape...
Friday - mountain biking (mix of hard climbs and fast fun downhills)
Saturday - kayaking (good upper body workout)
Sunday - another mountain biking trip
Monday - traveling so didn't have access to gym... just did about a 10 minute workout of bodyweight exercises in room -- pushups variations, 1-legged romanian deadlifts, & abs leg thrusts alternated constantly
Tuesday - 35 minute swimming workout (sprint style)
Wednesday - 45 minute full body weight training workout
I'll probably take tomorrow off to rest the body a little, and possibly do a kettlebell and/or hill sprinting workout on friday.
So you can see that for me, I always find ways to enjoy exercise, stay active, and at least during the nice weather, get out and enjoy some fresh air.
Everybody is different, but for long term success, you must find ways to incorporate exercise into your life that you actually enjoy. If you dread your workouts and think negatively about them, you're more likely to skip workouts or even quit altogether.
Here's an article I did previously that gives 15 of my favorite and unique workout styles to give you some more ideas:
15 Unique Workout Ideas to Get to the Next Level in Fitness
Enjoy!
|
