We all know that getting started is the toughest part of a new fitness habit. This lifestyle may be easy for people who naturally find fitness training fun.
But there are many ways for anyone to take the drudgery out of getting physically fit and healthy that will inevitably change your life. People who succeed in getting started with a regular exercise routine can make fitness fun by adding different elements to the varying physical activities they select.
First, realize you are not alone. Most of us struggle to make fitness a regular part of our lives. Here are five effective strategies to change your approach to fitness and enjoy the journey into one of, if not the best, habits you can add to your day – for the rest of your life.
1. Be Open to New Ideas
Don’t limit yourself to traditional exercises like running or lifting weights. Try dancing, hiking in nature or group classes that excite you. Pickleball, a smaller version of tennis, has grown in popularity among all ages. The more variety you introduce, the less exercise will feel like a chore.
2. Bring a Friend
Connecting with others provides the social activity we need for mental health, and also creates a sense of community and support. For example, one of the biggest reasons for pickleball’s popularity is that it is a fun, social event. An hourlong walk may seem like half that long if you can enjoy a good conversation. Group fitness classes – from aerobics and yoga to spinning and CrossFit – can also fit the bill and encourage you to work harder.
(U.S. Army/Thomas Alvarez)
3. Set Meaningful Goals
Instead of focusing solely on weight loss or muscle gain, aim for challenges to help others by participating in walk-a-thons, raising money for charities or helping a friend do their first 5k run. These types of activities can be motivating since you’ll be focusing on others who are counting on your help as well as gaining a sense of personal achievement.
4. Stay Mentally Occupied with Music or Podcasts
Having a playlist of your favorite songs on tap can make any exercise feel less boring or repetitive. Music, audiobooks or podcasts can inspire you to move and or just keep you preoccupied to help with time to move faster.
5. Invest in Your Fitness
It can be fun to shop for workout clothes and shoes. You could reward yourself with occasional shopping sprees to celebrate your milestones. Investing in a few fitness items for your home gym can be wise once you find activities you like.
Hiring a coach or trainer is another way to get yourself to the gym, and they can be worth it if you need to learn how to train for your chosen activity. Learning proper technique can make the difference between success, failure, or injury.
The secret to sticking with a fitness plan is discovering how to make every workout fun and meaningful instead of a struggle. Embrace the joy and watch how it transforms your commitment to a healthier lifestyle and a sense of accomplishment.
Understanding how to make fitness enjoyable is just the beginning. Now, it’s time to put those ideas into action. Head to the Military.com fitness section to dive deeper into ways to train for any goal.
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