Most people want to get fitter but finding the motivation can be tricky. If you see exercise as a chore or you dislike going to the gym, you might assume that being fit simply isn’t for you. However, there’s no need to give up so quickly. There are numerous ways to get fit and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the process.
By making fitness fun and enjoyable, you’ll be more likely to incorporate it into your life on a regular basis. What’s more – you’ll even enjoy the journey to a fitter future and find yourself looking forward to your next session! For inspiration, take a look at these top tips and start making fitness fun today:
Identify your goals
You know you want to get fit, but why? Are you worried about your health? Do you want to change your body shape? Perhaps you want to be able to keep up with your kids at the park? Examining the reasons behind your desire to get fit will help you to find your motivation.
If you really want to boost your desire to get fit, be as specific as possible when you set yourself goals. Maybe you want to sculpt your arms to banish bingo wings? Perhaps you’re looking for fun workouts to grow your glutes? Alternatively, you may be coveting washboard abs you can show off on the beach.
Whatever your goals, make them clear in your mind. Once you know exactly what you’re aiming for, you can find fun workout options that help you to achieve them as quickly as possible.
Be prepared to try new things
If the gym doesn’t inspire you, then don’t go! Hitting the gym is a great way to get fit for some people but it doesn’t suit everyone. Instead of forcing yourself to go and having a miserable time, find something you enjoy instead.
Dancing, abseiling, indoor rock climbing, power walking, running, football, netball, boxing or even circus classes are great ways to improve your fitness and stay healthy. Take a look at what’s on offer in your local area and be prepared to give things a go. Many venues and groups offer free introductory sessions, which will give you the chance to try things out and see if it’s right for you.
Vary your workouts
There’s no reason you should stick to the same tried and tested routine every time you work out. In fact, you can get better results and reduce your risk of injury by alternating between different types of exercise.
Alternate between gym visits, dance classes, boxing practice or whatever exercise you enjoy, and you’ll never get bored again. What’s more – you’ll feel the benefit of working out different parts of your body and begin to notice changes in your fitness levels more quickly.
Make it a family affair
If you’re worried that embarking on a fitness plan will limit the amount of time you can spend with loved ones, don’t be. Simply make being active a family affair instead! Whether you have a kickaround at the park, play catch in the garden after dinner or have a full-scale family sports day complete with badminton rackets, rounders and frisbee, there are plenty of ways to get everyone involved!
Encouraging youngsters to be active is a great way to teach them about their health, so don’t hesitate to find age-appropriate exercises that kids can enjoy. Even a leisurely stroll at the weekend is a good way to boost cardiovascular function and improve fitness levels, so take every opportunity there is to make your lifestyle more active.
Workout with a friend
Some people enjoy the solitude of working out alone, but this may not be the best way for you to achieve your goals. If you want to enjoy the social aspect of keeping fit, then agree to workout with a friend. Having someone to go to a class with can boost your confidence and it will also help to keep you accountable – it’s harder to miss a workout when you know someone’s counting on you.
If you’re not currently living close to friends or family, don’t let this stop you. Virtual workouts and online training mean you can work out with people, regardless of your location! Alternatively, you’ll find that local fitness groups and exercise venues tend to have a wide variety of classes on offer and are a great way to meet new people.
Monitor your progress
When you monitor your progress and see your stats change, it helps to keep you motivated. There are many ways to do this, but fitness apps and wearable fitness devices are particularly popular. These enable you to track various metrics, such as the distance you’ve walked, the steps you’ve taken, the calories you’ve burned and much, much more.
You can even share your data with people you know or upload it to public communities, so you can share your progress and get support from other people. With plenty of online challenges and tournaments you can enrol in, this can be a great way to add a fun, competitive element to your fitness journey.
Treat yourself to new workout gear
You don’t need a brand-new pair of compression leggings or the latest trainers to get fit but if a new workout wardrobe makes you happy, why not treat yourself? You can even reward yourself for hitting your goals by buying yourself some new workout gear. Whether you choose home exercise equipment, a fitness watch or t-shirts, vests and shorts, you’ll feel better than ever when you’re hitting your goals and you’ve got a whole new range of fitness wear to show off.
You don’t need expensive workout gear to treat yourself. Even if you’re working with a limited budget, there are lots of high-quality, affordable workout clothes available online. Reward yourself with a new set for faithfully following your workout routine till now for a motivation boost!
Maintaining Fitness Levels
Getting fit can be fun but don’t view it as a one-off challenge. Maintaining your new, improved fitness levels is just as important as reaching your goals to start with. By making fitness fun, you’ll find that you actually want to make it a regular part of your routine, which means you’ll find it easy and enjoyable to stay fit in the future.
