The next time you sit on your porch or in your local coffee shop and see that same runner jogging by again, you may think how dedicated he/she must be. That well may be the case, but consider for a moment the runner’s perspective. Jogging to him or her is not like going to work or doing the laundry; it is something that is enjoyed or he/she wouldn't be doing it so regularly.
As hard as it is for some to conceive, since to many jogging isn't an enjoyable activity, those who are doing an activity regularly (including skating, biking, walking...etc) are having fun with that dedication as well.
The key to getting benefit from exercise is to be in it for the long-term. Fitness professionals understand that in order for clients and people in general to continue to do an activity that improves their health, the key is to engage in the behavior often and on a regular basis. Sure someone can do an activity for a couple of months and lose some unwanted weight, but unless that exercise is continued, the excess weight will come back.
The benefits will be short-lived and won't do much for health over a lifetime. The results of less disease, longer life, better moods, less prescriptions, better mobility, less pain and stress...and the list goes on, will never truly be realized if activities are not continued. This is why it is so important for people to find exercises that are something they enjoy doing.
How to Make Exercise More Enjoyable
We are all different and motivated by various factors which means that there is no simple answer to making workouts fun. To start with, it is definitely important to know what activities you don't enjoy or are not physically able to perform. Though they may be good exercises, there is no obligation to partake. Healthy active people are constantly being told by others, "I know I should be going to the gym" or "I guess I should start jogging again". Apparently they shouldn't be, because if they enjoyed these activities they would be doing them, at least once in a while. If you don't like to jog, do not feel that you need to be jogging to become healthier and more active. It just won't work.
Where to Start:
Begin looking at all of the different types of activities you can engage in based on your physical limitations (for example, if you have bad knees, jogging or snow skiing may not be activities to consider). Instead, you may want to look at swimming, bike riding or other low-impact choices that don't put excessive pressure on your knees. Make a complete list of every activity that you can think of (ask a fitness professional) and don't be afraid of jotting down new/unfamiliar choices. If you belong to a gym, be sure to look at and try all of the different equipment or exercise choices (ask a trainer or staff member).
Open Minded:
When you come across a new activity or suggestion, give it a whirl! Don't be close minded to trying something new, even if it feels awkward at first or if it takes time to become proficient. A little perseverance and effort can lead to new avenues for you and keep you motivated as well.
Variety:
Another key to improving overall fitness and avoiding burnout or boredom is to do more than any one single activity...and to not always do the same thing every session. Mix it up. Going to the gym to lift weights, take a class or use cardio equipment is great, but be sure to do different routines, change weights, reverse order of use, take new classes or use a different piece of equipment each week or so.
Attitude:
Go ahead and feel compelled to work out because it is that important to become more healthy from exercise. And be strict about doing something just about every day for around an hour or so, as that is what it takes for true benefits to be reached over the long haul.
Other Thoughts:
1) Use Music
People often use music to work out with, and it can be a great way to keep your mind off of the fact that you are working hard while you are enjoying yourself.
2) Watch TV
TV generally is an inactive, couch-lying type of pursuit that does nothing positive for health, but it can be a good diversion while sitting on an exercise bike or walking on a treadmill. If you watch TV, you might as well be doing something active and positive for your health.
3) Work out with Friends or a Group
Many people use biking, jogging, skating and other activities as a chance to get together with friends and make it a social outing as well as a workout. Instead of getting on the phone to catch up with someone’s life, ask your friend to go for a walk with you, and watch how fast the time flies by!
4) Use Proper Equipment
One of the easiest ways to be turned off when performing an activity is to use improper, old, broken or over-used equipment. Every runner can attest to the improved feeling when putting on a new pair of shoes for that jog and promoting the old pair to running errands around the house. Evaluate your equipment to make sure it is working at its specified level.
New Trends:
New types of equipment or additions to existing technology are always being made available, promising to improve your health, make exercise easier or add enjoyment to exercise. Here are two examples that may really add fun to exercising:
Remember the Hula Hoop? It was big when it became mainstream in the 50's and now "Hooping" is making a comeback as the same activity, but with redesigned looks and feel. Look for classes to start incorporating the new name, Hooping. For more information see www.hooping.org
These have actually been around for about 15 years, but they are now catching on as improvements have made these "jumping boots" more fun, easier to use and longer lasting. Used for running, classes or jumping in place these boots take up to 80% of the impact off your joints, making their use a healthy activity. Studies have shown that rebounding exercises are not only good for your cardiovascular health, but increase serotonin in the bloodstream, which makes for an exhilarating activity. Try jumping into fitness! (See Jump Boots)
posted by Darren Rieck at 5:05 PM
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