exercise shouldn’t be a chore

I wish I was a fitness junkie. Some people literally get high off of running, can you believe that?

I must admit that, while I wish I were a fitness junkie, it’s just not in my nature. I don’t find myself particularly motivated by high-intensity workouts or lifting heavy weights at the gym. It feels great once I can finally motivate myself to just go to the gym and do it, but there is always so much inertia.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not committed to taking care of my body. I know that movement is important for my health and wellbeing, so I’m committed to find activities that I genuinely enjoy doing, and help you do the same.

My goal is to incorporate movement into my daily routine without feeling like I’m forcing myself to do something I hate. Maybe that means going for a brisk walk in the park with a friend, dancing around the living room to my favorite songs, or trying out a new yoga class.

I’ve learned that finding movement I enjoy not only makes me more likely to stick to an exercise routine, but it also brings a sense of joy and fulfillment to my life.

I’m not going to tell you that you just have try HIIT or Pilates because you’re going to absolutely love it. I want to cover a wide array of activities to help you find something that will truly stick, and that you’ll actually look forward to doing. We all have different motivations, and we need to use those to our advantage.

In this article, we’ll discuss different motivators, and activities that you can try to incorporate into your fitness routine based upon those.

for those who just want to get in shape

Wanting to get in shape or lose weight after living a sedentary lifestyle for awhile can definitely be a great motivator to exercise, but it’s important to remember to approach this from a place of self-love, not self-hate. When we approach weight loss or body transformation as a way to punish ourselves for not conforming to societal beauty standards, we’re setting ourselves up for failure and a negative relationship with exercise.

Instead, think about exercise and healthy eating as ways of taking care of your body and loving yourself, not as punishments for not looking a certain way. Recognize that you can be healthy and beautiful at any size, and that weight loss is not a prerequisite for happiness or self-worth.

When we approach exercise from a place of self-love, it becomes a positive, empowering experience. We start to see the benefits in our bodies and minds, we enjoy the activity and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. Exercise becomes less of a chore and more of a gift we give to ourselves.

Here are some fantastic activities you can try to incorporate that are great for burning a ton of calories to aid in your weight loss journey or build up your cardiovascular endurance:

1. Running or jogging: Remember how I said some people get a runner’s high? How will you know if you never try it? Running at a moderate or high intensity can burn a significant amount of calories, especially if done for longer periods of time. The key to running for a long time is to go slow. Marathons and sprints are two different races.
2. Dancing: Whether it’s taking Zumba classes or hitting up your favorite dance club, dancing is a fun and effective way to burn calories. There are so many beautiful forms of dance from contemporary, to hip-hop, ballet, and more. You’re bound to find community, cherished friendships, and even some competition along the way.
3. Jump rope: A great cardio exercise that can burn a lot of calories and is easily done almost anywhere. This is one I personally really enjoy. You’d be surprised how much nuance there is to jump roping, from tricks, to endurance, to jump patterns.
4. Boxing: A high-intensity sport that works out the entire body and can burn a lot of calories. You can go the cardio kickboxing route for a more rhythm-based exercise, or focus on strength, power, and combat.
5. Swimming: A wonderful low-impact activity that works out the whole body and can burn a lot of calories. I find swimming particularly peaceful. Swimming and other aquatic exercises are also great for people who have mobility struggles, whether that’s due to inactivity, old age, or obesity. This is a fantastic way to get back into fitness with low risk for injury.
6. Cycling: This activity can be done indoors or outdoors and can burn a lot of calories, especially if done at a high intensity. If the weather’s nice, you can take the scenic route, or a lot of people have had great success on a Peloton.
7. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by intervals of rest or low-intensity exercise and can burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.

Remember that it’s important to find an activity that you enjoy and that you can stick to in the long run, so don’t be afraid to try out different activities until you find the ones that work best for you.

for the competitive ones

Being competitive or goal-oriented can be a fantastic motivator for exercise. When we have a specific goal to work towards, whether it’s running a 5K, completing a triathlon, or even just lifting a certain amount of weight, it gives us a sense of purpose and direction in our fitness journey.

Achieving a fitness goal is a tangible way to measure progress. Seeing the concrete results of your hard work is rewarding and helps to boost confidence. Plus, the endorphins released during exercise can reduce stress, tension, and improve mood, making you feel better about yourself overall.

Having a competitive spirit can push you to work harder and strive for better performance. Friendly competition with workout partners can add an extra element of excitement and fun to your fitness routine. I personally love a bit of friendly competition, as it adds some extra zest and edge to the gym.

When working towards a goal, it’s also important to track your progress to see how far you’ve come and how far you have left to go. This can be done through keeping a log of workouts, tracking your diet, or taking progress photos.

Whether you’re competing against others or working towards a specific goal just for yourself, it’s important to remember that exercise should be done in a healthy and safe manner. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and push ourselves too hard, leading to injury or burnout.

If you’re competitive, I encourage you to look for competitions or challenges in your area, or get a workout buddy to train with. You can also set specific fitness goals for yourself, and work towards them incrementally. For example, if you want to run a marathon, start off by increasing your distance little by little every week. This way, you work towards a long term goal, but still achieve small successes regularly, making it easier to stay motivated.

Here are some suggestions for some competitive fitness activities to try:

1. CrossFit/Open workouts: CrossFit is well-known for its high-intensity, competitive workouts that are designed to challenge both experienced and novice fitness enthusiasts. Competitions typically involve a series of exercises that test strength, agility, and overall fitness, and can be done individually or as part of a team.
2. Lifting and Bodybuilding: Weightlifting is a goal-oriented sport on it’s own, allowing you to consistently push yourself to get to the next level. But if you’re really wanting to challenge yourself, you can compete in bodybuilding competitions. Just remember that bodybuilding is more about aesthetics than health, so if you’re wanting to take a holistic approach, I’d avoid it.
3. Running races: From 5Ks to marathons, running races offer a fantastic way to challenge yourself and compete with others. Training for a running race can also be a great way to stay motivated and focused on your fitness goals.
4. Swimming meets: Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, swimming meets offer a fun and challenging way to compete in the water. Different events range from short sprints to longer distances, and can be done individually or as part of a team.
5. Triathlons: For those looking for a truly challenging fitness competition, triathlons are a great choice. These events typically involve swimming, biking, and running, and can be done at various levels of skill and experience.
6. Obstacle course races: From Spartan Races to Tough Mudders, obstacle course races have been growing in popularity over the past several years. These races typically involve a series of physical and mental challenges that test your strength, agility, and endurance.
7. Cross country races: For those who enjoy running outside, cross country races offer a challenging and scenic way to compete. These races involve running on natural terrain, including hills, forests, and fields.
8. Rowing regattas: Whether on the water or on a rowing machine, rowing can be an intensely competitive and challenging sport. Rowing competitions, known as regattas, can be found at various levels of experience and are typically done individually or as part of a team.

Ultimately, being competitive or goal-oriented can be a fantastic motivator for exercise and help you achieve your fullest potential. Just make sure to keep the goal within reach and maintain balance in your approach to training.

for the social butterflies

Being a social butterfly can be a fantastic motivator for fitness activities. Not only can socializing with friends keep you accountable and consistent with your workouts, but it can also make the experience much more enjoyable. When you exercise with friends, it can be a fun and engaging way to work out while also spending quality time with people you care about.

Having a social component to your fitness routine can offer a great support system to help you stay motivated. Friends can offer encouragement and motivation when you’re feeling discouraged or unmotivated to work out. It can also make the exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity that you enjoy doing together.

In addition, socializing while exercising can help to reduce stress and improve mental health. Being active with friends can be a great way to blow off steam and release endorphins that improve mood. This can lead to better mental health outcomes and can make it easier to stick to healthy habits in the long run.

If you don’t have fitness-oriented friends to exercise with, joining one of these activities is an amazing way to make new friends, too! Some of the best relationships are forged from shared passions and activities. Here are some fun fitness activities that you can do with friends and enjoy some quality time while staying fit:

1. Group fitness classes: There are so many different types of group fitness classes you can take, from yoga and Pilates to dance classes and boot camps. Going to a class with friends can make it a more entertaining and social experience.
2. Group sports: Playing group sports like soccer, basketball, or flag football are great team-building activities that also keep you fit and active. Joining a local sports league or game can be a fun way to stay connected with your friends while breaking a sweat.
3. Hiking or walking groups: Going for a hike or a nature walk with friends are a great way to socialize and get some fresh air. Plus, it’s an opportunity for some light cardio in a beautiful natural environment.
4. Cycling or biking groups: Similar to walking or hiking, cycling or biking with friends can be a really fun and scenic way to work out. You can explore new areas and have a good time while doing it.
5. Beach Volleyball: If you live near a beach, beach volleyball can be a fun and sociable way to stay active and meet new people.
6. Urban Hiking or Walking Groups: Explore your city on foot with urban hiking or walking groups, where you can discover hidden gems and connect with fellow explorers.
7. Trampoline Parks: Trampoline parks are not only a blast for all ages but also a place where you can interact and bond with others over high-flying fun.
8. Water activities: Activities like swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking can be excellent social fitness activities. Find local bodies of water and enjoy some aquatic fun with friends.
9. Rock climbing: Rock climbing is a challenging and full-body workout that is perfect for adventurous friends. Many rock climbing gyms offer group rates and beginners classes to make it easier to get started.
10. Virtual workouts: There are many virtual fitness classes available that you can do with friends from the comfort of your own homes. Join a Zoom workout class or find a YouTube fitness video to follow together.

Remember that the goal is to have fun and stay active with friends, so don’t be afraid to be creative and come up with your own ideas!

for the holistic health lovers

Striving for holistic health can be a fantastic motivator for exercise, as taking care of your body and mind is a crucial part of a holistic lifestyle. Holistic health means considering all aspects of your wellbeing, from physical fitness to mental health, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual growth.

When we focus on holistic health, exercise becomes more than just a way to burn calories or gain muscle. Instead, it becomes a way to maintain balance and harmony in our lives. Exercise can help us to boost our energy levels, reduce stress, improve mood, and increase our feelings of self-confidence and self-worth.

Furthermore, a holistic approach to fitness means looking beyond just the physical benefits of exercise. It means taking into account the emotional and spiritual benefits as well. Exercise can be a way to connect with our bodies and cultivate mindfulness and presence on the mat, or in the gym.

Additionally, holistic health recognizes that our bodies are connected to our minds and emotions. Exercise can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, and it can be a powerful way to cope with stress and manage our overall mental health.

Here are some fantastic activities to try if you’re focused on holistic health:

1. Yoga: Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical exercise with mental and emotional well-being. It can help to improve flexibility, balance, and strength, while also reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
2. Pilates: Pilates is another holistic exercise that helps to improve overall fitness while promoting mindfulness and body awareness. It focuses on strengthening the core muscles and improving posture and flexibility, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their overall physical wellness.
3. Barre: Barre is a type of fitness program that combines Pilates, Yoga, and Ballet to create a strength and endurance-focused workout. It’s also a great way to connect with community since group Barre classes are offered at many gyms around the country.
4. Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a gentle martial art that focuses on slow, flowing movements that help to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. It’s a great choice for those looking for a low-impact exercise that’s easy on the joints, and heavy on the meditation.
5. Hiking or walking in nature: Spending time in nature can be incredibly beneficial for our mental and emotional health, and it also provides an opportunity to get some physical exercise. Taking a leisurely stroll, or even a fast-paced one through somewhere beautiful is a great way to connect mind, body, and spirit.
6. Swimming – Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. And as I mentioned before, it’s incredibly peaceful. Swimming laps is heavy on the cardio and easy on the joints, so this is a great activity for endurance training or even active rest.
7. Strength training – Strength training can help increase muscle mass and bone density, which can help prevent injury and improve overall health. There’s something very meditative about strength training if you breathe deeply through it and focus on each individual muscle. It’s an amazing way to gain self confidence and appreciation for your body.
8. Mindful walking – Mindful walking combines the physical activity of walking with mindfulness meditation techniques, helping to develop greater awareness and presence in the moment.

for the ones who love to challenge themselves

Challenging yourself is one of the greatest motivators for exercise. When you’re faced with a difficult challenge, it can help you grow, develop new skills, and push yourself to achieve more both physically and mentally.

One way to challenge yourself is to set goals that are outside of your comfort zone. For example, if you’re used to running a certain distance, try increasing it by a small increment each week. Another way to challenge yourself is to switch up your routine by trying a new type of workout or exercise that you’ve never done before.

Challenging yourself not only helps you break through plateaus in your fitness journey, but it also helps build your self-confidence and sense of accomplishment when you achieve those goals. The sense of empowerment that comes with pushing past your limits can motivate you to keep striving towards new heights.

It’s important to remember that challenging yourself doesn’t necessarily mean taking on a competition or going to extremes. It’s about setting goals that are realistic, but still a stretch out of your current comfort zone. With each accomplishment, you’ll feel empowered and motivated to continue improving yourself and your fitness levels.

If you love to challenge yourself and hit milestones, here are some fitness activities that might interest you:

1. Rock climbing: Rock climbing offers plenty of milestones along the way and goals to orient yourself towards. Just be sure to always take proper precautions and gain the appropriate training before heading up a steep cliff.
2. Weightlifting and strength training: Tracking progress with weights and aiming for personal bests is a great way to challenge yourself and monitor progress.
3. Swimming and training for a long-distance swim: Setting a goal to swim a certain distance and working towards it can be an excellent way to challenge yourself and achieve a new feat.
4. Rowing and increasing your stamina over long distances: Rowing is a full-body workout that will challenge both your physical and mental stamina.
5. Pole fitness: Pole fitness involves incorporating dance and acrobatics into a strength-training workout using a vertical pole.
6. Parkour: Parkour is a challenging athletic activity that involves running, jumping, climbing, and other movements to navigate obstacles in your environment.
7. Aerial and Acro-yoga: Acro-yoga combines yoga and acrobatics to create fun and challenging partner-based poses that require strength, flexibility, and trust. Aerial works many of the same muscle groups with scarves, hoops, and other mechanisms. Hope you’re not afraid of heights!
8. Martial arts: Martial arts training can be a great way to challenge yourself both physically and mentally while learning self-defense techniques.
9. Slacklining: Slacklining involves walking on a thin, flexible line that’s anchored between two points, improving balance, core strength, and concentration.

for everyone

No matter where you are on your fitness journey or what motivates you, there is a fitness activity out there that you will love. Whether it’s yoga and Pilates for the more mindful person, hiking and swimming for the outdoor enthusiasts, or strength training for those looking to build muscle mass and bone density, there are endless options to choose from.

The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and that fits your individual needs and goals. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and make a positive impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So, keep exploring and trying out different activities until you find your perfect match.

Did this article inspire you to try a new activity? If so, let me know in the comments or on social media! Share with someone just starting out on their fitness journey.

-w.w.

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