Do you struggle to exercise on a regular basis? You’re not the only one, really! It’s something millions of people find hard; exercise can take a long time to work, it can wear you out, and above all else, it can be super boring!
Especially if you’re not a fan of sports, either watching or playing. However, exercising is one of the best ways to stay healthy. As such, it’s important to find some ways to make exercise fun for you; here are some tips on building a routine that’ll suit you.
Maximise Your Gains Through Higher Impact Movements
You don’t need to go for a run, if you don’t want to. Indeed, there are far more high impact activities out there that take much less time which act as more than good substitutes. For example, driving down to a hiking area and then power walking your way up a steep hill.
If that doesn’t appeal, you can go swimming at the local pool, or in the sea or a lake if you live close enough to water. You won’t need to spend as much time doing either of these things, and that can be very attractive for someone who hates sport!
Put on a Good Show or Some Great Music
Sometimes exercise is boring because you’re not quite occupying your mind at the same time. So, if you don’t like sport, but you’re OK at going for a run, why not put on your favourite music or a podcast? The tempo of your playlist might even get you to work harder and faster, meaning you’ll be home again in double time.
Or set up a treadmill indoors, clip your phone or a tablet to the podium where the controls are, and put on a good show. The more you turn exercise into an activity where every single part of your body gets ‘worked out’, the easier it’s going to be to turn it into a long term habit.
Set yourself Daily Goals and Targets
Setting yourself realistic daily goals and targets will help you to incorporate fitness into your routine without leaving you overwhelmed or burned out. For example, you could invest in a smart watch and set targets relating to how many steps you want to take in a day, or how many calories you want to burn through exercise. While you may not want to wear sports accessories everywhere you go, they can now be worn anywhere without looking out of place, especially if you buy alternative Watch bands designed for Apple devices.
Physical Activity Doesn’t Need to Feel Like Physical Activity!
Did you know that playing sports doesn’t need to feel like you’re actually playing a sport? You just have to pick the right activity!
For some people that means going a little outlandish and choosing a sport like rolling cheese wheels down hills or spending time in those giant inflatable hamster balls. For others it’s a matter of buying some bamboo golf tees, getting some second hand clubs, and then hitting the golf course a couple times a week.
All you need to do is find the sport that speaks to you. Try out a few and see how much fun you have with each one. You’re looking for something you can reliably do once a week, or at least twice a month, where you don’t quite notice the time passing before your scheduled session is over.
