If you're like me, you don't love to go to the gym or doing super high-intensity workout videos. But exercise is good for our bodies, so somehow we have to figure out how to get it in the activity that our bodies desperately need.
I personally have always been fairly active, but I have often struggled to find a workout routine that worked for me. Eventually, I realized that exercising doesn't have to be just running on the treadmill for half an hour, it can 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 such as basketball or tennis. Swimming is also a great option, plus it is a low impact workout.
2. Get Outside
Being inside all the time isn't good for your body or your immune system, so taking your workout outside every one in a while is a great idea.
Walking or biking around your neighborhood are great ways to get in exercise without it feeling like exercise. Do a little bit of exploring in your city or town. Go walk around a local park or nature center.
Do some research on what outdoor activities are 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 yourself into an exercising frame of mind. Try to choose songs that have encouraging lyrics.
Some 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 keep the blood pumping as you sweat.
The Champion- Carrie Underwood: This is a great pump-up song that reminds you of the champion you are.
4. Keep It Simple
Unless you're planning on being the next American Ninja Warrior, you don't have to do workouts with a bunch of complicated moves that last an hour or more.
Instead, stick to the basics with things like crunches, push-ups, and jumping jacks. These exercises will still give you the workout you want, but you won't feel frustrated trying to keep up your stamina for a long time.
Also, you shouldn't exercise any longer than an hour at the most, so you don't hurt yourself.
5. Watch TV Or Listen To An Audiobook While You Work Out
Keeping your mind busy while working out will help you workout longer and make it feel less like a chore since you can focus on the story rather than how much you hate working out. Try to find something engaging that will keep you interested for a long period of time.
6. Set Small Goals For Yourself
It's good to have big fitness goals, but you should also set smaller goals for yourself too.
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 goals that are actually realistic rather than trying to do too much at once, as this could seriously hurt your body and your confidence.
7. Don't Push Yourself Too Hard
When you workout, it's good to push yourself a little bit, but beware of working too hard.
When you first start working out, you can't just jump in and expect to be able to leap buildings or run a 5k by next week.
Instead, start with workouts that are specifically designed for beginners that are not super long, (no more than twenty or thirty minutes.)
8. Take Your Pet Out To Play
If you have a dog or cat, get on the floor and play with him or her.
Animals, especially dogs love to play and get all of their energy out, and when you play with them, you get exercise too! Games like fetch or frisbee are great ways for both of you to bond and get active.
You can also go on a walk together and work on your dog's social skills while you exercise. (Remember to keep your dog on its leash at all times.)
9. Try A Workout App
If you struggle with consistently working out, try using a workout app that lets you track your progress and maybe even gives you ideas for workouts to do.
I use one called Female Fitness-Women Workout. This app lets you set a goal for yourself, keep track of your BMI (Body Mass Index), and has dozens of workouts that are organized by type and experience level.
10. Do Volunteer Work
Another great way to get your exercise in, is to do volunteer work that involves manual labor.
Doing things like picking up trash, planting a garden for your local senior center, or helping build houses for low-income families are all great ways to get active both as an individual and as a member of the community.
The more you workout, the stronger you'll get and the more confident you will feel. Even if you don't feel like you're getting anywhere with it, keep going. Change happens gradually, not overnight.
