Is your workout fun? Here are 5 tips to put some enjoyment back into your sessions!
I know what you are thinking: “How on God’s green earth is working out fun?” Sweat, dumbells, treadmills and sore muscles sure sound like fun right (inject sarcasm)? I mean, exercise is more fun than naps, ice cream and sitting on the couch. It’s a regular Disney Land that you get to go do 3 to 5 times per week and you don’t dread it one bit. Right….of course you dread it. I would wager to bet 80% of those who are honest would say they deplore the thought let alone the activity. Why is this? We were made to move; technology, industry and environment has brainwashed us to think that sitting is what the cool kids are doing. So what if in the next few moments, we could change your perception and make your workouts (gasp)….fun?
#1 Know Your Personality: If you are a social person who thrives in groups, why are you punishing yourself by spending 30-60 minutes in solitary confinement (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike)? Group exercise classes (Spinning, Boot Camps, Zumba) will satisfy both your need for physical activity and social interaction. If group activities aren’t your thing, look for activities or modalities that will be in line with the activities or hobbies you enjoy.
#2 Who are you spending your time with? Last week Beth and I hit the gym together, which is a rare treat (having 2 kids has the tendency to keep us from working out together). She did her own workout as did I, but the cool thing is we were in there spending time together while we exercised. Yes, we had a workout date and it was awesome. Whether a spouse or friend or co-worker, exercising with people you enjoy makes the activity fun.
#3 Who else is there? I REALLY enjoy the people at my gym. We are friends and generally enjoy being around each other. This is important because people typically don’t go places where they don’t enjoy the others who are there, too. When we are at the gym, we talk about sports, our workouts, our weekends and more. It’s social and the camaraderie makes me want to show up again and again. Sometimes there is more chatting that working but we have a good time.
#4 Laugh: There is a whole lot more to the exercise experience than just exercising. Last week I was training a client and in our sessions, we discuss more than her workouts and nutrition. Why? Because in reality everything from work, finances, significant others and the fact we need to mow our yard can all influence if, when, and how we exercise. We began talking about her weekend (which included a few too many adult beverages) and for the next ten minutes, we laughed as we worked. In my opinion, it was one of the best sessions we have had. My client got sweaty, lifted some weights, vented and then laughed about the situations that caused the venting. The smile on her face when she left was priceless. She felt better physically and mentally, and as an extra bonus, she is looking forward to the next session.
#5 Play: Please, please, please mix up your routine! Slam some ropes, swing a kettlebell, take a resistance tube and go outside….just do something new, fresh and out of the box. Sometimes this means investing in a session or two with a certified fitness professional but the more dynamic and fresh your workout is, the more likely you are to do that workout. I don’t often do things that are boring. If you are dreading your workout, think about why. Is it because you just don’t like to move or because it is old, stale and BORING!
Is your workout in desperate need of an overhaul? Contact us at 314-807-8634 and let us help you put the fun back into your exercise!
#1 Know Your Personality: If you are a social person who thrives in groups, why are you punishing yourself by spending 30-60 minutes in solitary confinement (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike)? Group exercise classes (Spinning, Boot Camps, Zumba) will satisfy both your need for physical activity and social interaction. If group activities aren’t your thing, look for activities or modalities that will be in line with the activities or hobbies you enjoy.
#2 Who are you spending your time with? Last week Beth and I hit the gym together, which is a rare treat (having 2 kids has the tendency to keep us from working out together). She did her own workout as did I, but the cool thing is we were in there spending time together while we exercised. Yes, we had a workout date and it was awesome. Whether a spouse or friend or co-worker, exercising with people you enjoy makes the activity fun.
#3 Who else is there? I REALLY enjoy the people at my gym. We are friends and generally enjoy being around each other. This is important because people typically don’t go places where they don’t enjoy the others who are there, too. When we are at the gym, we talk about sports, our workouts, our weekends and more. It’s social and the camaraderie makes me want to show up again and again. Sometimes there is more chatting that working but we have a good time.
#4 Laugh: There is a whole lot more to the exercise experience than just exercising. Last week I was training a client and in our sessions, we discuss more than her workouts and nutrition. Why? Because in reality everything from work, finances, significant others and the fact we need to mow our yard can all influence if, when, and how we exercise. We began talking about her weekend (which included a few too many adult beverages) and for the next ten minutes, we laughed as we worked. In my opinion, it was one of the best sessions we have had. My client got sweaty, lifted some weights, vented and then laughed about the situations that caused the venting. The smile on her face when she left was priceless. She felt better physically and mentally, and as an extra bonus, she is looking forward to the next session.
#5 Play: Please, please, please mix up your routine! Slam some ropes, swing a kettlebell, take a resistance tube and go outside….just do something new, fresh and out of the box. Sometimes this means investing in a session or two with a certified fitness professional but the more dynamic and fresh your workout is, the more likely you are to do that workout. I don’t often do things that are boring. If you are dreading your workout, think about why. Is it because you just don’t like to move or because it is old, stale and BORING!
Is your workout in desperate need of an overhaul? Contact us at 314-807-8634 and let us help you put the fun back into your exercise!
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