(BlackDoctor.org) — How did going to the gym become such a chore? Why is it so hard to actually want to go? After all, you’re in a world of eye-watering odors, mind-numbing workout routines that can give you blisters if you’re not careful, sweaty people making terrible expressions and rarely saying anything, unless it’s some random grunt, heavy metal machinery that makes grating clanging sounds. And let’s not even forget the bad music that consistently assaults your ears.
Just take a look at the word: WORK-out. Does it even look like there’s room for the word “fun” in there?
Just maybe there is.
If you want to see how much fun exercise can be, go to a different kind of gym – like a jungle gym. There you’ll see kids chasing each other at full speed, swinging, jumping, throwing balls, finding the energy they never even think about. And you’ll never hear them complain about going to the “gym.” But they will definitely complain about being called home once it begins to get dark.
So, what’s the secret? They’re exercising and they don’t even know it. They’re having so much fun that they don’t care. It’s like hidden health! Imagine having that kind of enthusiasm when you exercise. You can. All it takes is remembering that exercise can be fun!
Ways to Make Workout Fun
We’re not saying that there’s anything wrong with gym workouts. But because those workouts can almost inevitably become boring, you can get better results (in and out of the gym) when you mix your routine, such as with some of the below fun strategies.
Go Outside & Play!
You can’t help but be active and play when you’re at a park. Regular exercise is about staying active and finding excuses to stay on your feet – and parks are full of such excuses, such as:
• Hiking
• Biking
• Climbing
• Jogging/Running
• Walking the dog
• Backpacking
• Rollerblading
• Swimming
Remember that you get an extra exercise bonus when you share the fun. Bringing someone along makes all the difference. Sharing these activities with another person or group multiplies the fun and can actually boost your results.
Be A Kid Again with Games & Sports
Growing up, most sports were large, organized affairs with schedules, rules and trophies. And tons of equipment and practice. Only the most gifted got to play and it all seemed so difficult and intimidating.
Now that you’re all grown up, sports don’t have to be that way. Many sports, such as basketball, are great anaerobic activities that anyone can play. You just need a ball and an opponent.
A good place to start is by playing individual sports such as tennis, racquetball or squash. It’s easier to organize one-on-one competitions and easier to schedule. This is important when you’re trying to stay consistent. If you find one regular partner – just one – you’ve gone a long way to reaching exercise consistency and having fun while doing it.
Even though you’re a (so-called) adult now, don’t forget about children’s games. Kids can come up with the most inventive, active, crazily cool games around. Why should they have all the fun? Join in! You can worry about what other people think about you playing Beanbag Tag while they’re stuck on the treadmill.
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