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If you’re like me, you don’t like going to the gym or doing super high intensity workout videos. But exercise is good for our body, so somehow we have to figure out how to fit it into the activity that our body desperately needs.
Personally, I’ve always been pretty active, but often struggled to find a workout routine that worked for me. Eventually I realized that exercising shouldn’t just be about running on the treadmill for half an hour, it could be whatever works for you, no matter how unconventional.
1. Make exercise fun
Exercise doesn’t have to be painful. Instead, make it enjoyable by working out with a friend, taking a dance class, or playing a sport like basketball or tennis. Swimming is also a great option, plus it’s a low-impact workout.
2. Go out
Being indoors all the time isn’t good for your body or your immune system, so exercising outside once in a while is a great idea.
Walking or biking around your neighborhood are great ways to exercise without it feeling like exercise. Do some exploring in your city or town. Take a stroll to a local park or nature center.
Research the outdoor activities available in your area and get involved in at least one.
3. Listen to upbeat music
Listening to music that pumps you up is a great way to get you into an exercise mindset. Try to choose songs that have encouraging lyrics.
A few songs to get you started:
One More- Superchick: An anthem that will encourage you to keep going even when it’s hard.
Great Night – Needtobreathe: This is a fun dance song that will help get your blood pumping while you sweat.
The Champion – Carrie Underwood: This is a great upbeat song that reminds you of the champion you are.
4. Keep it simple
Unless you’re planning on being America’s next ninja warrior, you don’t have to practice a bunch of complicated moves that last an hour or more.
Instead, stick to the basics with things like crunches, pushups, and jumping jacks. These exercises will still give you the workout you want, but you won’t feel frustrated trying to maintain your endurance for long.
Also, you should exercise no more than an hour at most, so as not to injure yourself.
5. Watch TV or listen to an audiobook while working out
Keeping your mind occupied while you train will help you train longer and feel less like a chore since you can focus on the story rather than how much you hate training. Try to find something interesting that will keep you interested for a long time.
6. Set small goals
It’s good to have big fitness goals, but you should also set smaller goals.
For example: I want to be able to do 20 push-ups in a row without stopping. Or I want to be able to run half a mile in five minutes.
Try to set realistic goals for yourself rather than trying to do too much at once, as this can seriously hurt your body and your confidence.
7. Don’t push yourself too hard
When you train, it’s good to push yourself a little, but be careful not to overwork.
When you start training, you can’t just jump in and expect to be able to jump off buildings or run a 5k by next week.
Instead, start with workouts specifically designed for beginners that aren’t very long (no more than twenty or thirty minutes).
8. Take your pet out to play
If you have a dog or a cat, get on the floor and play with it.
Animals, especially dogs, love to play and burn off all their energy, and when you play with them, you get exercise too! Games like fetch or Frisbee are great ways for the two of you to bond and get active.
You can also take a walk together and work on your dog’s social skills while you exercise. (Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times.)
9. Try a Workout App
If you’re having trouble working out regularly, try using a workout app that lets you track your progress and maybe even give you workout ideas.
I use one called Female Fitness-Women Workout. This app lets you set a goal, track your BMI (body mass index), and offers dozens of workouts organized by type and experience level.
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10. Volunteer
Another great way to exercise is through volunteer work which involves manual labor.
Doing things like picking up trash, planting a garden for your local senior center, or helping build homes for low-income families are great ways to get active both as an individual and as a community. member of the community.
The more you practice, the stronger you will become and the more confident you will feel. Even if you don’t feel like you’re making progress, keep going. Change happens gradually, not overnight.
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