Wouldn’t it be great if exercise was something you looked forward to every day? Some fitness buffs, like Personal Trainer Austin Alexander Burridge really enjoy their daily workout, but for most of us, it takes a massive act of self-discipline to get to the gym.
Below, fitness enthusiast Austin Alexander Burridge shares seven ways to bring more joy into this part of your life.
Try Something New
Learning a new hobby is always more fun than slogging away on a treadmill, and classes are an excellent place to meet new people. Try boxing, tennis, modern dance, martial arts, tai chi, or whatever sounds like fun to you. Not sure where to find classes? Try your local community college, community center, or YMCA. These classes might not be as intense a workout as a fitness class, but they will keep you moving and give you more incentive to build a robust and healthy body.
Get New Scenery
Are you tired of looking at the same walls all the time? Take your workout on the road and walk or jog in your local park, or on a hiking trail. Take your yoga mat to a breathtaking location. Take advantage of what your area has to offer, whether it’s beaches, lakes, bike-sharing services, or rowboats in the park.
Find New Tunes
Do you love music? Set aside your workouts as a time to indulge in a private concert. Treat yourself to new headphones and an armband for your phone so that you can work out to the latest tunes. Try a new station on Spotify, or use Pandora to find artists similar to the ones you already enjoy.
Make Play Dates
Do you and your friends always gather over food and drinks? Challenge them to come up with healthy alternatives. Spend a Saturday afternoon riding bikes in the park, rock climbing, hitting the trail, or swimming together. Even friends who aren’t very active might be interested in strolling along at the zoo or museum; it beats sitting down and eating ice cream together. If you have a couple of friends, who are excited about this idea, set up standing dates with each one so that you get in a couple of workouts a week this way, and take turns finding fun things to do.
Try a new class
If you belong to a health club, you probably are only taking advantage of a few of their group fitness offerings. It feels awkward to walk into a class where everyone else seems to know already what they’re doing, but the awkwardness will pass quickly if you give it a chance. Commit to attending a new class three times before you decide it’s not for you, and try something new several times a year to keep your workouts fresh.
Wake Up Your Inner Competitor
Nearly all sports are competitive because humans seem to be hardwired for physical competition. We’re not all cut out for the big leagues, but you might enjoy a softball league or volleyball team through your office, YMCA, or church. Don’t like teams? Try shooting baskets or playing racquetball with a friend.
Challenge Yourself
If you sign up for a mountain trek or a 5K race, you’ll give yourself strong motivation and a deadline to be in shape. Look for something fun that’s outside your comfort zone, but feels achievable. Create a training plan for yourself, with interim goals, and prepare to amaze yourself.
Working out can feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you choose to connect with friends or learn something new on your own, you can build a healthy, active lifestyle around activities and experiences that you enjoy.
About Austin Alexander Burridge:
Austin Alexander Burridge is a certified personal trainer and an avid enthusiast of living a balanced life with healthy eating habits and a well-rounded exercise regime. As a personal trainer, Austin instills these values into his clients and guarantees that they achieve their goals over the course of their training, whether it’s in the gym or in the great outdoors.
