Some of you workout because you enjoy it. Others do it because it’s what the doctor ordered, but for most of you it’s just flat out work and you either choose not to do it, or are very hesitant. If you would rather scrub a toilet then hit the gym, using these 10 tips should help you bring more fun into your workout routine and take the work out of getting healthy and fit.
Zumba®
This fun dance craze is perfect if you like to…dance! Zumba® is a Latin inspired dance fitness that fuses exercise with Latin and world music. The class is lead by a Licensed Zumba Instructor who leads you through routines that will have you clapping, shaking your hips and making new friends. To find a licensed instructor in your area go to Zumba.com.
Fitness Buddy
One of the reasons you might feel like someone is forcing you to exercise against your will is because you’re going at it alone. Having a fitness buddy makes working out funners! Having someone laughing and pushing you to take your workout to new heights is very copesetic.
High Tempo Music
Have you ever wondered why people in those group fitness classes are always smiling and lively? That’s because the music they listen to during the class. Typically fitness classes music can range from 140-170 beat per minute (bpm). Which is the tempo of the music. Basically its fast and lively. If you create a workout playlist with high tempo music it will not only make you move as fast as the beat, but it will distract you from the burning sensation you feel in your muscles.
Exercise Outside
It’s warm and sunny outside, why are you still going to the gym? Put your membership on hold and take your routine outside. Get some fresh air, take in beautiful scenery and be around happy people. Do outdoor exercises like bike riding, swimming, and hiking. Studies show that people who switch up their workout routine tend to stick with it longer. And you are less likely to get bored.
Home Activities
Your workouts probably feel like a chore because you are doing “chores” and they can actually count as a workout. Doing yard work like raking and bagging leaves can burn 350-400 calories per hour. Gardening 200-400 per hour. House Cleaning 150-200 per hour. So when you fall out after taking care of your home, just know you killed two birds with one stone.
Play With The Kids
Your kids need physical activity just as much as you do. Here’s another two for one. Hit the park with the kids. If you run around with them for 30 minutes to an hour you will for sure burn a couple hundred calories (depending on how old they are). It might not be an intense workout, but something that will get your heart rate up. It’s fun and the memories are priceless.
Team Sport
Maybe you need a little competition in your routine. Join a basketball, softball or beach volleyball team. You’ll meet new people and the adrenaline rush you get from trying to win will make you have total disregard to the fact that you are sweating getting your heart rate up. Again, working out with other people is more fun than going at it alone.
Step Away From The Scale
Stop worrying what the scale says. If you keep worrying about the numbers and work for the scale your workouts will feel like work. Just do it, workout, enjoy the process and measure your progress through how your close fit-or how they don’t fit.
Group Fitness Class
You are already aware about the benefits of working out with a buddy or being a part of a team. The same goes with a group fitness class. The comradery, loud, but good music and instruction from the instructor leaves you to only follow, not think and have fun. No work necessary.
Play With Your Dog
When does your dog every not want to play? Grab your dogs favorite toy head to the dog park or front yard and run around with him. Running from or with your dog is going to not feel like a workout at all. Besides your dog will love you even more for it, everyone’s heart gets what they want.
If all else fails try new things. When you find yourself getting bored with your routine try working out at a different time of day. Switching it up and surprising your body with a new workout routine or trying a new class will not make it feel like work. You work all day anyway, there is no reason your workout should feel like work as well. Have fun!
Teena Cathey is a certified personal trainer who focuses on endurance and energy training. She runs two group fitness boot camp classes called Go Harder in Detroit, MI. Teena is author of the free ebook, How to Find The Right Personal Trainer. When not with clients Teena enjoys painting, playing basketball or with her dog Mister. She’s very social, follow her on... Read More
Comments are closed.