How to Make Exercise Fun, So You Will Stick With Your Workout Routine

Making exercise fun is one way stick with your workout routine

Every year people pledge to live a healthier lives and enjoy regular, daily exercise. Over time however, many find it hard to find the same enthusiasm for their workout that they experienced at the beginning of their pledge. There are a number of ways you can find renewed motivation to make exercise fun, so that you can stick with your workout routine.

Instructions

1. Set a goal that is reachable and manageable. Setting goals that are unrealistic will only set you up for disappointment in the long run. Set a goal that you know is within your reach, and set a reasonable time frame.

2. Take part in an organized sport. This will make you responsible for showing up, or you will be letting your team down. It gives you a sense of accountability when you have others that rely on you. Many gyms, YMCA's, and community centers offer community sport programs.

3. Create a reward for yourself. Whether it's weekly or monthly, treat yourself to something when you reach a goal. You could allow yourself a day where you don't track calories, if you make it to the gym all seven days in one week. Reward yourself with a new pair of jeans, when your old ones no longer fit. Rewards increases the satisfaction, and are a reminder that you are making progress.

4. Find a workout buddy. If you have another friend that wants to hit the gym as much as you do, be each other's motivation. Take part in classes together at your local YMCA, or even plan a weekly jog together. Also, report your failures and successes to your workout buddy -- together, you can help support each other.

5. Consider a fitness vacation. Go somewhere you have always wanted to go to take part in an activity, such as hiking in another state, or a marathon in a city you have always wanted to visit. Book a hotel room and make an adventure out of it for the whole family.

6. Add different music to your MP3 player. Working out to the same music can be mundane. Mix it up with a new playlist and expand your current music library.

7. Mix up your routine. Don't do the same thing every day, or you may experience muscle burnout -- as well as workout boredom. Pick certain days to do certain exercises -- for example, try swimming on Sundays, running or stair machines three days a week, and weights two days a week. Every month, change it up and start focusing on a different -- or new -- fitness routine.

8. Invest in new workout clothes. Each month you complete 30 consecutive days at the gym, treat yourself to a new piece to add to your fitness fashion. Maybe a new sports bra or a pair of sweat pants. Whatever makes you feel great, investing in some stylish new workout clothes can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

9. Consider what you truly enjoy to do, and focus on that. If you can't stand running on a treadmill, don't use that as your primary exercise. Try swimming, or weights if you want to move around a little.

10. Hire a coach or trainer to get you started. A coach or fitness trainer can help you learn the proper ways to workout to avoid injury, and get the best results. Even if you only use the trainer for a month or two, it is money well-invested to keep you focused and informed.

References

• How to Be Fit: How to Make Working Out and Fitness Fun
• Health.com: How Do You Make Your Workout Fun?
• Wellsphere: Top 5 Ways to Make Your Work-Out Fun
• Zenhabits: 31 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Exercise