Regular physical activity is incredibly important for your health. It’s a great way to lower your risk of disease, strengthen your body, and give your brain a boost. However, leaving the couch isn’t always easy, especially when you associate exercise with boredom, pain, or unpleasant obligation. Instead of forcing yourself to do an activity you dislike, it might be time to shift your focus to a more rewarding approach — one that combines fitness with fun!
Roll with it
Sometimes, just adding a set of wheels makes physical activity more fun. This could include hitting the trail for a bicycle ride, strapping on a pair of inline skates at a local rink or park, or finally learning how to skateboard.
Take a walk
Walking is one of the simplest and easiest ways to move your body — whether you’re strolling around the neighborhood, going on a day hike at a nearby park, or mall-walking with a group of friends. To make your walk even more enjoyable, use it as an opportunity to take in the sounds around you or to catch up on a podcast or audiobook.
Rediscover child’s play
Do you have children of your own? Grandchildren? Nieces and nephews? Friends who have kids? According to The Healthy, there’s nothing like child’s play to get your body moving. Join in with the young ones in your life and rediscover old childhood favorites like tag, hide-and-seek, hopscotch, and many other fun activities.
Put the “work” in “workout”
Chores like yardwork and housecleaning aren’t necessarily fun on their own. But they’re a great opportunity to move your body, break a sweat, and get your blood pumping — plus, you get to cross something off your to-do list at the same time.
Practice martial arts
The world of martial arts offers a wealth of opportunities for fun physical activity. From taekwondo and tai chi to krav maga and kickboxing, practicing a martial art is a great way to learn self-defense techniques, build mental discipline, and improve your balance and strength.
Go dancing
Whether you already enjoy dancing or you’ve always wanted to learn, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more physical activity into your life. Check out a dance workout online, sign up for a ballroom or hip-hop dance class, or just enjoy a night out at your favorite club with a friend or partner.
Turn fitness into a game
One of the most effective ways to make fitness fun is to turn it into a game. NPR notes that setting goals that you can track, adding elements of competition and teamwork, and making room for surprise and unpredictability can turn otherwise boring activities or exercises into ones that you actually look forward to.
Join a group or league
Sometimes, the mere presence and involvement of others can make physical activity more fulfilling. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, bowling, basketball, or yoga, consider seeking out a local group or league where you can enjoy your favorite activity in the company of like-minded people.
As you integrate these fun fitness pastimes into your life, you can look forward to reaping the many benefits of physical activity — and maybe even make a few friends or learn a new skill along the way.