Results come faster when we enjoy what we do! Bring the fun back into your workouts with these 12 easy steps!
H
ave you ever dragged yourself to the gym, full of dread, then surprised yourself by actually having a great time?
You’re not alone. Research shows that people end up enjoying their workouts much more than they think they will. What these studies reveal, is that this sense of dread actually comes from the experience of starting a workout; which is typically less than pleasant while the body transitions between a state of rest and working hard.
Although this initial unpleasantness makes up only a small fraction of a whole workout, it's enough to drive our motivation to a grinding halt, while sending our procrastination time soaring.
Fortunately, there are many ways to solve this psychological problem, and they all involve injecting the real, genuine fun back into exercise. You know; that kind of fun too many of us left behind in our childhoods? That's what our workouts should be like!
1
Gamify Your Workout
Gamification is used throughout many fields and is the application of game design elements and game principals in non-game contexts. Workout gamification is getting really hi-tech these days, but it can also be as simple as using a deck of cards.
Games are inherently fun, so when your workouts send you on exciting quests and reward you with points, or even send you running from zombies, the addictive power of gaming will have you unlocking your fitness goals in no time.
2
Exercise Outdoors
It's not only kids who benefit from playing outside. Get out in the fresh air and enjoy the view, because outdoor workouts lead to more significant stress relief than indoor workouts, and are naturally a lot more fun.
Rain, hail or shine, outdoor exercise can invigorate our sense of adventure, while reclaiming and repurposing that childhood notion of going outside to play.
A good playlist is guaranteed to get you in the zone for a fun and focused session.
3
Motivate with Music
When we choose the right songs, music lifts our mood and makes moving our bodies almost unavoidable. No matter how much you’re dreading your workout, a good playlist is guaranteed to get you in the zone for a fun and focused session.
Aside from making it way more fun, there are more reasons to crank the tunes while you workout. Learn about some of them here.
4
Find Friends
If your workouts are a drag, then you might be missing one of the best fitness accessories there is: company.
To make your workouts more fun, and maybe even something you look forward to; recruit a friend, or perhaps the whole crew. Not only can friends encourage and motivate each other, but they can also keep each other accountable.
Many people find High-Intensity Interval Training much more fun than low-moderate intensity exercise
5
Choose HIIT
Despite its intimidating name, many people find High-Intensity Interval Training much more fun than low-moderate intensity exercise. HIIT workouts are also convenient, fast, and a highly effective way to reach your fitness goals.
For a quick, intense and fun way to get those results, opt for HIIT workouts rather than long, boring sessions on cardio equipment!
6
Learn New Skills
Whether you set out on a mission to master handstands or challenge yourself to try a new piece of equipment at the gym; learning (and mastering) new skills not only provides your brain with a boost, but it also gives your workouts more purpose and direction. This is much more fun than aimlessly wandering around the gym, wondering why you're there!
7
Nerd-out Over Fitness Data
Progress tracking apps can fuel your fun by igniting a little healthy competition, whether it’s with your friends, total strangers, or even just with yourself.
Tracking your steps, calories burnt, your heart rate and other aspects of your activity is not only fun (and maybe a little bit addictive), but it also makes you more aware of how much exercise you're actually doing. FitBits and Apple Watches are the gold-standard for workout tracking technology, but there are countless apps and online communities to satisfy your inner data nerd.
8
Join a Sports Team
Joining a sports team is a great way to make new friends, have fun while getting fit, and to give your workouts more context and purpose. If you're hitting the gym so you can do your team proud at the next match, then the excitement for your upcoming game will make your workout a whole lot more fun.
9
Do Kid Things
When we were kids, running and jumping around all day was never a chore. So why is it that 50% of adults are failing to meet the minimum amount of physical activity required for a basic level of health?
Getting in the best shape of your adult life may be as simple as bouncing on a trampoline, jumping with a skipping rope, throwing a frisbee or even hooning around the park on rollerblades. You’re never too old to play and have fun!
10
Mix It Up
Even something that was awesome at first can eventually go stale if you've been doing it for some time. This doesn't necessarily mean you should quit that activity forever, but it does mean it's time to change things up.
Varying your workouts has many benefits for your body and brain. A change can help you break through a weight loss plateau, sharpen your mind and boost your memory, but most importantly, a change will keep things fresh and fun. When your workouts are fun, your motivation will be high; meaning you'll stay on track to reaching your fitness goals.
Take a little time to rest, recharge, and rediscover the fun side of fitness
11
Don’t Overtrain
If you're pushing yourself so hard that you're no longer buzzing during or after your workouts, you're probably overtraining.
Without adequate recovery, you can't get the most out of your training. Despite working extra hard, you might actually be pushing your goals further away. Take a little time to rest, recharge, and rediscover the fun side of fitness.
12
Fuel Up For Fun
Working out is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle, so as long as other healthy habits don't accompany your training, exercise will never be as fun as it could be.
Paying attention to your nutrition and making sure you’re eating a healthy and balanced diet will increase your energy and boost your mood in preparation for fun and focused workouts.
However, life can get a little hectic sometimes, so try Tropeaka High-Powered Blends and Superfoods to make sure you’re getting some top quality nutrition in the easiest possible way. When you have your nutrition needs sorted, there’s more time left over to move your body and have some fun!
