Are you one of those people who think working out is boring? Or maybe it’s outright intimidating and too difficult to even get the recommended amount of exercise per week — both of these things can have a negative impact on your health. The good news is that the solution is simple — and customizable to you. There are plenty of ways to make exercising fun, approachable, and enjoyable; you’ll be a creature of (super fun) habit in no time.
How Much Exercise Do You Need Per Week?
“The general recommendation by the American Heart Association is to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week or a combination of the two,” says Jennifer Haythe, MD Associate Professor of Medicine, Co-director of Columbia Women’s Heart Center, and a Critical Care Cardiologist.
How you get those minutes in is up to you — five 30-minute moderate workouts, one crazy-tough 75-minute workout… make it work for your schedule and stamina.
Why Fun Workouts Are Important
One of James Clear’s three laws of behavior change (from his bestselling book Atomic Habits): Make it attractive. In order to keep yourself consistent, and coming back to your workouts day after day, week after week, they have to be attractive; they have to feel enjoyable, fun, even pleasurable. The more you can make your routine feel fun, the more likely you are to be consistent.
The inverse is also true; when workouts are the opposite of fun (and daunting), you may not be consistent. This means you may not want to go as crazy with high-intensity workouts, especially if you feel burnt out (or even scared to do them); “harder” workouts aren’t always the best for your results, and when you do too much too soon, you can even risk injury and overtraining syndrome, sidelining yourself for weeks.
How to Make Working Out More Fun
There are plenty of ways to make the healthy habit of regular exercise more enjoyable, pleasurable, and fun. Here are some ideas to get started.
Head Outside
Sometimes a little fresh air and sunshine is all you need to add the extra endorphins to your workout routine. Lace up, and take your app with you outside to do an ‘al fresco’ exercise session.
RELATED: The Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Bringing Your Workouts Outdoors
Get Competitive
Join a challenge on the FitOn app to bring out your fun, competitive streak. In fact, tuning into that competitive spirit is scientifically proven to be the best motivator. Using social support and a gamified, contest-style format, you’ll be super likely to stay on your routine and have more fun while you’re doing it.
Treat Yourself
A little reward at the end of a sweat sesh can neurologically reinforce your good habits, building a strong connection between ‘working out’ and ‘fun’ in your mind. Whether your treat is watching an episode of your favorite TV show, making yourself a tasty post-workout smoothie, scrolling through social media for a few minutes, or taking a long, luxurious shower, find a way to reward yourself for your hard work.
Motivate Yourself With Gear
Is there research on this? Because there should be. Sometimes buying yourself something that is habit-specific can help you get excited about that very habit. Whether it’s a beautiful custom notebook to get you in the routine of journaling or — in this case — some fresh, awesome activewear to motivate you to work out, a visual and physical touchpoint can get you amped up in the best way.
Feng Shui Your Home Gym
Time for some cleanup, organization, and maybe even decoration! Even if it’s just a corner of your room, make sure your home gym space is inviting, appealing, and energizing — a place you really want to spend time.
Blast Some Tunes
FitOn PRO has all the right music! Arguably, one of the most powerful ways to add the element of fun into a workout is with the right soundtrack; music has such an impact on our mood. And FitOn has that covered; a premium subscription gives you access to music channels to fit your personal vibe.
Mix It Up
Feeling stale or bored? Try a new workout. Perhaps you’re a Pilates pro; it’s time to try Zumba! If you’re burnt out on cardio, try strength training. One too many kickboxing classes? Maybe you need some yoga.
Fun Home Workout Routines
Ready to spice up your current workout routine? If you haven’t joined our community yet, sign up for free and get access to unlimited, free workouts for every fitness level. Browse the various workout categories and try something new and exciting!
Here are some fun workouts to try adding to your workout routine.
Want to get an ab workout in but short on time? Try this quick but effective bodyweight ab workout.
First time doing Pilates? You’ve come to the right workout. We’ll explore the foundational movements and tone your body from head to toe as you master the basics.
Balancing on one leg is hip stability and core activation at its finest. Challenge yourself with this flow that everyone can benefit from.
Get The Most Out of Your Workouts
Enjoyable exercise is not a myth! Fun workouts look different for everyone, but there are so many ways to make it more accessible, rewarding, and even addicting! If you have a little patience and are up for some experimentation, you’ll be sure to find routines that feel great — body and mind.
