How to Enjoy Exercise
By James Roland
You know that exercise is important to a longer and healthier life, but you're having trouble sticking with an exercise routine. But there are ways to become more motivated, to actually have fun while you're working out. Here are a few ways to make your routine enjoyable, and more importantly, one you'll stick with for a long time.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Make a list of up-tempo songs that will keep you moving and your blood pumping. Whether it's dance music, hip-hop, rock-n-roll or just the latest pop hit, as long as it keeps you on your feet and moving, it'll work. A study that appeared in the June 2009 issue of the American Heart Association journal "Circulation" found that blood pressure can synchronize with music, prompting cardiac rehabilitation specialists to consider incorporating music into their programs. Up-tempo music (and classical music with plenty of crescendos) can help when you're looking to get the heart rate up, while slower, mellower music can help open narrowed arteries and bring blood pressure back down.
Get those songs on your MP3 player. Download songs you like, or borrow CDs from someone if you don't have the music you want.
Get a comfortable set of earphones and a comfortable way to carry your MP3 player, whether it's an arm strap or clipped to your waistband.
Play your exercise music, either in order (easy-going stuff while you warm up and the fast-moving music when you're well into your workout) or just random so that you're not listening to songs in the same order every time you work out.
Set up a stereo or "boom box" if you are working out at home where you can listen easily and either plug in your MP3 player, load your CDs or mixed tapes, or even put on the radio to keep the music coming.
Find someone who will exercise with you, either a friend, co-worker, relative, or maybe someone you meet at the gym. Ask a trainer if he or she knows someone looking for a workout partner. Having someone waiting for you to work out is a good motivator, and the conversation during exercise can make the sessions more enjoyable.
Do a little give and take about what kind of workouts you want to share with your partner. It'll be easier if you are close in fitness levels and share similar goals. Once you strike a compromise, you'll be ready to go.
Be supportive. Be ready to spot your partner during weightlifting or point out concerns, such as someone arching his or her back in an exercise that should be done with a straight back. Ask for similar help and feedback also.
Tips & Warnings
If you approach exercise with a positive attitude, even if its a spinning class or a 10-mile jog, it's almost always going to be more fun and productive than if you start out feeling like it's one more chore to get through.
Be aware when exercise stops being fun, and look for new activities or classes to re-inject a little fun into the action.
About The Author
James Roland is the editor of a monthly health publication that has approximately 75,000 subscribers in the United States and Canada. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, covering issues ranging from the environment and government to family matters and education. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon.
