How Can I Make Exercise Fun?

It’s a word that strikes fear in the hearts of many: Exercise. If exercise were fun and effortless, then everyone would do it. But that’s not the reality -- right?

Get ready to adjust your worldview because -- surprise, surprise -- exercise can be fun. You can find activities that you enjoy so much that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all. The truth is that to be healthy and get the 150 minutes of moderate exercise the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic recommend each week, you don’t have to sweat it out at the gym or spend hours dancing with barbells to get swole like the Rock. Exercise can be whatever you want it to be, and you can work out anytime, anywhere.

If you’re looking for some fun ways to get some movement into your day that have nothing to do with a gym membership, then read on to find out all the ways that exercise can actually be a hoot!

Why Do You Need Exercise, Anyway?

Your body was made to move, but movement isn’t something that has been baked into modern culture. Many people spend hours sitting each day and don’t move enough, which can lead to serious health issues, as well as chiropractic issues that cause discomfort and contribute to even more health problems.

There are many ways in which exercise promotes good health. Studies have found exercise to benefit you in the following ways:

• It can extend your lifespan, helping to reduce your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• It can help keep your immune system young to assist you in fighting off illness and disease
• It helps to give you more energy
• It builds strong bones and muscle
• It improves your mental health, lowering the risk of depression

While there are different ways to move your body and exercise, it’s vital to keep in mind that all that activity adds up to the same mental and physical benefits to your health. If you’re getting that body moving, then you are on the right track!

Making Exercise Fun

There are a lot of feelings that can come up for people when the word exercise is mentioned, none of them remotely relating to fun. Exercise can feel intimidating, like it’s a chore. It can be difficult too, especially for those who may struggle with mobility or have other health concerns.

All of that is understandable, which is why it’s great to reframe it into an activity that is fun -- and something you actually want to do. A few fun ways to exercise that may help you to get the party started include:

• Roller skating or rollerblading - For many people, this activity is so enjoyable that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all. Or you’re trying so hard not to fall down that you don’t even recognize how hard you’re working! Skating is great for balance and it builds muscles all over. And if your neck of the woods supports it in winter, there’s ice skating.
• Hiking - Nature is majestic and there are studies that have correlated reduced stress with getting out in nature, so this one is a double whammy of a benefit. You don’t have to scale the side of a mountain, either; a nice stroll on a mostly flat trail still gets your body moving and takes you to some beautiful places.
• Kayaking - You don’t have to be a thrill-seeker to enjoy kayaking. If you have a calm body of water near you, then go for a paddle. It’s a great workout that builds muscles in your core that you won’t even realize you’re using!
• Dancing - When was the last time you really cut a rug? Dancing is great exercise and you don’t have to be a very coordinated person to simply turn up your favorite tunes for a few minutes a day and channel your inner John Travolta.
• Jumping on a trampoline - If you have a trampoline, go for a few jumps. If you don’t, then look into going to your nearest trampoline park or get a mini trampoline to bounce on in the privacy of your own home. There are even virtual trampoline fitness classes online that can help you get the most out of it.
• Martial arts - Now this is a Bruce Lee-approved activity. Martial arts are a great way to increase strength as you get your body moving, providing you with a full-body workout. You may not have to register your fists as deadly weapons, but in the end, you can still improve your health and well-being with this activity. You’ll probably learn some self-defense along the way, and that’s also healthy.
• Recreational sports - Shooting hoops in the driveway with your kid is movement, and if you really like that kind of thing, rec sports leagues are available for adults to satisfy their competitive nature. Soccer, softball, and basketball are popular, but you can probably find other options like a flag football league, badminton, or pickleball.

If one of these workouts doesn’t inspire you, then move on to something else. It doesn’t matter what you do, the key is simply finding something you enjoy that makes it more fun to get your body moving. Keep trying and your body will thank you!

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.