Fun Exercise has Greater Benefits

We all know about the health benefits of exercise, but did you know that if exercise is fun, the greater the benefits? It’s true! Just think about it. If you don’t like exercise and view it as a chore, then there’s a very good chance that you’re not going to do it. And if it becomes just one more thing to do, you are not getting the wellness benefits.

In this article, we’re going to talk about ways in which you can make exercise much more enjoyable. In addition, the benefits of having a fun workout.

Benefits of a Fun Workout

When physical activity is perceived as fun, you’ll want to participate in it more often and less often when it’s not so enjoyable. Moreover, if you “survive” an exercise session, there’s a very good chance that you’re going to reward yourself. This reward is often linked to a food indulgent.

A 2015 study found that when physical activity is perceived as fun, participants are more likely to make healthy food choices. Healthier snacks and meals. When physical activity is not viewed as fun, poor food choices are made, people will consume more decadent snacks, desserts, and less healthy meals.

In addition, the number of calories burned during a tedious workout is overestimated, compared to the calories consumed. So, if you are working out to manage your weight, a fun and enjoyable workout is the answer.

What can you do to make exercise fun?

Get Social

Socializing is one of the easiest ways to make exercise more fun. If you get social when you break a sweat, there’s a higher chance that you’ll keep doing it because you feel a sense of community and belonging. A workout with friends not only makes you happy, but it also makes you more consistent. Join a team, get out there, and meet some new people.

Beating the Boredom

Exercise can seem boring and repetitive at times but doesn’t have to. There are so many ways in which you can spice it up. We’re going to make a list of things that definitely help to break up the monotony and get you moving.

• Listen to music. When you’re listening to your favorite tunes, you want to move your body
• Add variety and switch it up. Run with a friend then do yoga the next day. Or how about kayaking, skating, skiing, riding a horse, dancing, paddle boarding, the list goes on. You can get a great workout while doing something really fun!
• Watch your favorite TV show. Nothing like killing two birds with one stone. You’ll feel more compelled to keep going until that show is over. Or maybe watch the next.
• Choose a favorite activity from childhood. Break out that hula hoop, jump rope, or ride your bike, and have some fun!
• Play a sport. Nothing like playing some ball with friends.
• Be social. Don’t go at it alone. Get some talk therapy in while you go for that power walk. Having a hard time making time for friends? Go for a run together or take in an exercise class.

This is a shortlist of ideas that can help you to look forward to physical activity. Whenever exercise is a chore, there’s a good chance that you’re going to put it off. Engage your mind while you engage your body and your heart.

Exercise can be very therapeutic, so use this time to think about things that you need to work through. Often, you can find the answers to your deepest questions while you’re moving your body.

Get Outside

One of the best places to exercise is outdoors. There is a unique set of benefits that you will discover when you get yourself outside. To start, walking or running outdoors provides a natural terrain that makes the workout more challenging.

Your level of fitness will likely improve when you encounter a constantly changing environment which includes inclines, bumps, and other obstacles along the path. This is also great for improving balance. Outdoor workouts also provide wind resistance to help you to burn more calories. You’re getting your dose of vitamin D.

In addition, one study found that exercising outdoors was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression. Participants also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity.

Get Active and Have Fun

Going to the gym should never be a chore, because if it is, then you ain’t gonna go! When you look forward to physical activity, it cannot only be fun to work out, it can be an absolute joy. Was there a sport that you enjoyed as a child? Try to get back into it again. Say you like to ride your bike, consider riding it to work instead of driving.

If walking is the time when you clear your mind, ditch the treadmill and get yourself out into nature to reap the benefits. Hate a traditional workout, try playing a sport. Exercise should be a source of joy, and when it is, you’re guaranteed to do it for life!

Need help finding an activity and people to do it with? Try our Plan2Play Connect app! Plan2Play encourages people to get together to participate in the real-life, in-person activities they love. Increasing social interactions while encouraging in real-life activities. Make exercise fun and get the most out of it!