Habits of Fit People: Find Something Fun
By: Nicole Nichols,
SparkPeople Blogger
9/2/2008 3:18 PM
: 132 comments
You want to be a fit person, right? That's why I'm sharing my own habits for keeping fit and staying healthy in the ongoing Habits of Fit People series.
Here's one that works for me: Find something fun to do. So why does something like this matter?
Exercise is often viewed as one of those necessary evils. You know you SHOULD be doing it, and you know that it has all sorts of benefits, from weight loss to better sleep. But often, just knowing that it's good for you isn't enough to make you work out. It becomes something that people dread. It's boring. It's hard work. And you'd rather be doing something else. You probably have a long list of exercises or workouts that you hate (mine includes the treadmill, most gym machines, and exercising alone). But instead of forcing yourself to do those things, why not take the time to explore things that you just might like, and then create a workout program based around that?
Why it works: I think this is a pretty obvious one. When you're having fun, banishing boredom, learning new skills or simply enjoying yourself, then exercise becomes something that you WANT to do, not something that you HAVE to do.
Keep in mind that there are lots of non-traditional activities and hobbies that can be fun and fitness-oriented. You could try rock climbing, joining and adult sports league, Nintendo Wii, ballroom dancing, martial arts, swimming lessons, playing with your kids, dancing around the house to your favorite tunes—anything that gets your body moving! My own workout program involves very few activities that I don't enjoy. I've discovered that I like Spinning classes (the group environment and great music motivates me), Pilates (it takes major focus and concentration), hiking and walking outdoors (it doesn't feel like exercise) and strength training at the gym (because I like to push myself). I also enjoy a good workout DVD now and then. I know that I'm more likely to work out and push myself if I take a class at the gym than if I do it on my own, too. Since these things are fun to me, I don't dread my workout time—I look forward to it!
I think that if you want to exercise regularly, you should find something that you enjoy (or can tolerate at the very least). When you look forward to your workout, there's nothing stopping you from doing it!
What's the most fun you've ever had while exercising?
Here's one that works for me: Find something fun to do. So why does something like this matter?
Exercise is often viewed as one of those necessary evils. You know you SHOULD be doing it, and you know that it has all sorts of benefits, from weight loss to better sleep. But often, just knowing that it's good for you isn't enough to make you work out. It becomes something that people dread. It's boring. It's hard work. And you'd rather be doing something else. You probably have a long list of exercises or workouts that you hate (mine includes the treadmill, most gym machines, and exercising alone). But instead of forcing yourself to do those things, why not take the time to explore things that you just might like, and then create a workout program based around that?
Why it works: I think this is a pretty obvious one. When you're having fun, banishing boredom, learning new skills or simply enjoying yourself, then exercise becomes something that you WANT to do, not something that you HAVE to do.
Keep in mind that there are lots of non-traditional activities and hobbies that can be fun and fitness-oriented. You could try rock climbing, joining and adult sports league, Nintendo Wii, ballroom dancing, martial arts, swimming lessons, playing with your kids, dancing around the house to your favorite tunes—anything that gets your body moving! My own workout program involves very few activities that I don't enjoy. I've discovered that I like Spinning classes (the group environment and great music motivates me), Pilates (it takes major focus and concentration), hiking and walking outdoors (it doesn't feel like exercise) and strength training at the gym (because I like to push myself). I also enjoy a good workout DVD now and then. I know that I'm more likely to work out and push myself if I take a class at the gym than if I do it on my own, too. Since these things are fun to me, I don't dread my workout time—I look forward to it!
I think that if you want to exercise regularly, you should find something that you enjoy (or can tolerate at the very least). When you look forward to your workout, there's nothing stopping you from doing it!
What's the most fun you've ever had while exercising?
 You will earn 3 SparkPoints |
NEXT ENTRY > Healthy Aging: Don't Leave Your Mind Behind
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Comments
I'm stronger and more toned, and my self-confidence is higher - few things are as empowering as successfully breaking a board or scoring a point in sparring on a more skilled martial artist. - 1/5/2012 11:11:43 AM
But, all in all I have found that the (5) small meals is best as you keep yourself to full to eat anything else that is fast and quick like a bun or piece of toast. I am finding that its all a piece of the puzzle (eating right, excercising, and making yourself drink lots and lots of water!), and if you leave anything out, then you won't learn how to replace your old habits with new good ones, and thats what got me in the situation I'm in out, trying to learn how to get healthy. So, thats why I make myself eat the way that I do now, I'm learning a new life style, not doing another diet. And I can see the difference and its a good for me, and that's the real goal I try to keep in mind. Its not about should you eat it I think, as much as what am I putting into my body each time that I put something in it, how will it benefit my body. - 2/5/2011 10:26:31 PM
- 3/14/2010 3:53:21 PM
I'm new though, so hope to experience something even better! - 5/18/2009 9:57:58 PM
If you enjoy dance, check your area for these classes! They are SO MUCH FUN! Our gym has 12 classes a week and almost all of them draw a fully packed classroom! - 2/26/2009 9:30:15 PM
Deb - 2/26/2009 1:08:30 PM
Every year (except this last one ~ due to injury) I've enrolled myself and my daughter in a 10km hospital charity run held on Mother's day. She didn't always want to go so I gave her the choice of either running the 5 km or riding her bike for the full 10 (which she loved). She now enjoys running the 10k with me.
I am also now married with 2 additional step-daughters and all 4 of us run together. It's great! - 2/7/2009 9:05:40 PM
But, because I think a hula is a sexy kind of dance I can do for my husband, I decided to try to learn more. I've got beginner dvd and I'm having so much fun with it!
Sandy - 12/30/2008 8:08:39 PM
My rake becomes a flag like I enjoyed as a member of a Color Guard in a marching band with my sisters when we were children!
Girls just love to have fun any way we can! - 11/30/2008 1:46:46 AM
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