This is a contributor’s blogpost …

 

For some people, maintaining a regular exercise routine is too much like hard work. The thought of going to the gym can give a person cold sweats, rather than the healthy sweat which is gained through a rigorous workout. However, we all know the benefits of exercising. Our health improves with a reduced risk of heart disease, our muscles and bones can be strengthened, and we can lose weight. There are so many benefits, yet sometimes we excuse ourselves from keeping fit. We don’t have time, we are too busy, we can’t be bothered, etc.

Maybe it is time you started thinking about exercise differently. It doesn’t have to be a chore, a dreaded thing that you need to get out of the way before you begin doing the activities you enjoy. Perhaps it’s time you started treating exercise as something fun to do.

 

Don’t be unrealistic

Many people fail at exercise because they set themselves unrealistic targets. For example, a person might decide to get up early before the pressures of family and work life begin and head out for a jog or a run. That’s great until the weather gets cold and the motivation to get out of bed on a chilly morning decreases. A person might also push themselves too hard in their keep-fit routine without proper training at the beginning. When thinking about exercise, set yourself a realistic goal so you can reduce the risk of you giving up at the first hurdle.*

* Please note, in no way am I suggesting you jump actual hurdles unless you have the muscle strength of an Olympic athlete. In which case, you probably wouldn’t be reading this!

 

Make exercise a play activity

Play is how children keep fit, whether it’s playing tag, jumping rope, or going for a bike ride. If you have kids, you have a great excuse to get outside and play. Not only will you recapture the fun you had as a child, but you will also create a great bonding time as well. However, adults can have fun without children. You don’t have to grow up too quickly and settle into a boring routine because you are that age now. If you have friends of a like mind, have fun, play silly games in the local park or around your garden, and burn off your calories while doing so.

Another great way to have fun is to play video games. No longer are you only giving your thumbs a workout, as modern Nintendo and Xbox consoles promote exercise through motion sensor controls. Go bowling, play sports, and take part in body waving mini-games, all in the comfort of your home.

While playing sport on your games console is a great way to pass the time, why not try actual sport? Many people are put off sport because of awkward experiences at school. If you were always picked last for team activities, you might be under the impression that sport isn’t for you. However, there may be something you would enjoy doing. Or, if you were one of the lucky few who enjoyed sport at school, resume that activity as an adult. Whether it’s tennis, golf, netball or something else, have fun doing it, while enjoying some healthy competition.

 

Photo Courtesy of paulbr75 via Pixabay

 

Exercise with others

When exercising alone, it is easy to lose motivation. Enlist family and friends and make exercise a shared experience. Having company will give you somebody to talk to. Spur each other on when one of you feels like giving up and congratulate each other on shared achievements.

There are many ways to exercise with somebody else, including the gaming and sporting activities already mentioned. Another great activity, be it alone or with family and friends, is going for a bike ride, especially if it is somewhere scenic. Riding around the local park or through woodland can be an invigorating and enjoyable experience. Note that it is worth investing in a decent bike if you can afford it, and cycling insurance to protect your purchase, as riding around on a rickety old bicycle can limit your enjoyment.

 

Dance the night away

Finally, whether you enjoy sport or not, dancing is a great way to keep fit. It can be something you do with a partner, such as ballroom, country and western, or square dancing. You can also dance alone, tap dancing, or hula for example. Whether you dance in a local community hall or hit the nightclubs at night, dancing can be a fun and exhilarating experience.