Workouts can be exhilarating, exciting, and fun if you're into it, but not everyone is. While traditional "working out" may not be everyone's cup of tea, a lot of people try to find new ways to make working out fun. Exercise works the muscles in your body, and overall increases your wellbeing. Studies have shown that daily physical activity can help prevent heart disease, lung disease, and a multitude of other health issues.
It provides some people with an escape from reality, and allows them to better themselves physically. I find working out to be a lot of fun. It's just fun to do as a hobby, for something to do in your spare time, but also after doing it for a while, you feel proud seeing the results of all the hard work you put in.
If you think working out isn't for you, there's definitely some non-traditional ways you can get yourself moving that don't make you hit the gym. Whether it's finding a workout partner or listening to music, there's something you can do to get yourself up and at 'em every day. Another way is to find a workout that makes you excited! Here are a few of our favorite exercises to get us up and moving.
1. Dancing
Dancing is a creative outlet for a lot of people, and a really fun way to get a full-body workout. It helps with balance and with coordination, and can also reduce stress. Doing something you enjoy and love can leave you feeling good and keep wanting to do it.
There's also studies that show there's a correlation between dancing and lower blood pressure or better endurance. If you dance with other people, like a dancing partner or group activity, it can be a social activity and allow you to connect with others while working out and improving yourself.
Photo by TeenStar
2. Playing sports
A lot of people love playing sports. This is one of the most common ways for people to workout. Playing sports is fun, inclusive, exciting, and exhilarating. Playing team sports in school or at a club allows you to gain invaluable communication skills while developing fitness and sports skills.
Sports involve cardio, strengthening, and a multitude of other exercises, but you're basically just playing a game! It makes it a lot more fun and entertaining.
Photo by Penalty File
3- Boxing
Kickboxing is one of the best ways to get your body moving while also acting as an emotional outlet. A boxing session can be like a therapy session; if you've been stressed a lot, it can feel like a reliever and make you feel better. Boxing is also an amazing upper body workout and a great fitness option.
It's an awesome aerobic workout. It burns calories, and gets your heart pumping. Boxing can also help you get stronger, tone your muscles, and can help build strength in some less-developed muscles.
Photo by Sporting News.
4- Rock-Climbing
For all the dangerous daredevils out there, rock climbing can be a fun option for working out. People who are adventurous, courageous, and straight-up crazy... rock climbing might be for you!
Rock climbing is a workout that really works out your legs. It also tones your hands and arms when grabbing onto rocks and pulling yourself up. During rock climbing, you use your entire body: arms, legs, triceps, quads.
You'll feel it everywhere. It's a great full-body workout but also fun too. This workout can provide great satisfaction and doing this a few times a week... you'll definitely see results.
Photo By REI
5- YOGA
Yoga is one of those workouts that isn't very aggressive. It doesn't involve lifting heavy barbells or running three miles at a stretch. But, that doesn't make it any less of a workout. Yoga has positive effects on your flexibility, toning muscles, and even helps develop your balance. Yoga also has a central focus on mindfulness and serenity, which can make your workout session feel more like an escape.
6- Trampoline Workout
Going on a trampoline can actually improve your cardiovascular health, which improves endurance, balance, coordination, and stamina. Trampoline workouts target back, core, and leg muscles. It's a really good aerobic exercise; in fact, jumping on a trampoline for 10 minutes can burn the same amount of fat as a 30-minute run. It's freeing to be outside, and it's definitely something you can do without feeling like you're working out.
Photo by Vroom.
7- Riding a Bike
This is another great workout option for people that are looking to have an enjoyable and fun workout session. Riding a bike is enjoyable and fun, feeling the wind in your face, seeing the cool and weird things in nature.
Riding a bike is a great lower body workout that works out your legs, gluteus, and quads when biking up and down hills. Indoor cycling classes have blown up over the course of the past few years because they actually offer a pretty good cardio workout. One 45-minute SoulCycle class can burn as many calories as a 1 hour run in some cases.
Photo by Inc Magazine.
8- Hiking
Going on a hike is one of the most enjoyable workouts there is. If you go for a hike with friends or family, getting fresh air and looking at nature can be one of the best workouts.
Hiking is a great whole-body workout. Going on a hike lowers your risk of heart disease, improves blood pressure, and also is a great way to build muscle. It builds strength in your glutes, hamstrings, quads, etc. It's another way to get in your cardio without having to go to your local Planet Fitness.
Photo by Healthline.
9- Going for a run
Listen, running can be enjoyable if you're into it. But if you're not into running for fun, there are a few ways to help make it fun. Listening to music, having a running partner, or finding a trail you really enjoy can help make running a less painful experience for those of us who didn't want to run cross country in school.
Running is one of the best cardio workouts out there for weight loss or building leg muscles. It's a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and burn calories, and it also gets your heart rate up!
Photo by Healthline.
10- Build your own workout
The previous 9 workout ideas to try and help make your workouts fun and enjoyable are just ideas. Maybe you don't like any of those other ideas I listed and want to try a combination of them, or try something else to help make your workouts fun.
Not everyone loves running, hiking, going for a bike ride, etc. Maybe some other workouts that people think are fun could be swimming, jumping, or even muscle training.
My own workouts include different cardio workouts, like running, high knees, and jumping jacks. I also do arm workouts with dumbbells and these workouts really help if you stick to that plan for the long term. Finding an exercise regimen that works for you can be the change you need to get into working out, even if it may not look the same as you thought it would.
Photo by Men's Journal.
