Whenever someone tells me they “hate exercise,” I always ask … have you tried everything? Have you tried dancing and swimming and playgrounds and gardening and hoola hooping and pickleball and walking and running and bike riding and …
Getting fit doesn’t have to mean dragging yourself to the gym for a boring workout. All it requires is that you regularly move your body. Emphasis on regularly and chances are you will only do that if what you choose is fun and something you look forward to, rather than a chore you dread. Here’s how you can turn play into your path to staying healthy and fit.
Do What You Love
The secret to enjoying fitness is doing something you genuinely enjoy. This could be anything from dancing around your living room to your favorite songs, playing a game of basketball with friends, or going on an adventurous hike. If you love it, you’re more likely to stick with it. Dance parties in your living room? Yes, please!
Keep Things Fresh
Variety keeps things interesting. Mix up your activities to keep from getting bored. One day, go for a swim; the next, try a yoga class, and maybe hit the trails for a hike on the weekend. Not only does this keep things fun, but it also works out different parts of your body, giving you a well-rounded fitness routine without feeling like exercise.
Play With Friends
Everything is more fun with friends, including getting fit. Whether it’s walking with a friend, playing pickleball at your community center, or joining a local league, working out with others turns fitness into a social event. Plus, a little friendly competition can be a great motivator!
Turn Fitness Into a Game
Why not make your workout a game? Fitness apps like 99 Walks give you the chance to take on a monthly challenge and score a monthly reward bracelet that you’ll actually wear with pride.
Fitness Without the Gym
Remember, you don’t need a gym or traditional workouts to stay fit. Playing tag with your kids, gardening, or even having a snowball fight all count. The goal is to move your body and have fun doing it.
Incorporating play into your fitness routine makes staying healthy feel like less of a chore and more of a joy. So go ahead, put on your favorite playlist, gather some friends, and make fitness fun!