How to Find Enjoyable Exercise

By Sarah Dray

Finding an activity you enjoy and can stick with in the long term can be difficult. In fact, boredom is one reason people give up on their workouts soon after they start. While playing golf may be an all-time favorite activity, finding additional enjoyable exercise routines is the key to long-term health and success.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Make a list of 10 active things you like to do. These can be sports or simply daily activities. For example, you might like to work in the garden, go for walks or play Frisbee with the kids in the park. The list can also include things you used to like in the past, but haven't been able to practice in some time, like a sport you played in your teen years.

Step 2

Find exercises that can match those interests. For example, if you like to walk, you might enjoy hiking or jogging. If you'd rather spend your free time with the kids, find things you can do together that involve physical activity, such as going for a bike ride or playing basketball. If you meet with friends once a week for an evening out, make that meeting active and go out for a game of touch football instead of a drink.

Step 3

Add variety. If there's a softball or soccer league in your neighborhood, think about joining to play on the day you're not on the putting green. Or consider starting your own group along with friends or family members.

Step 4

Don't be afraid to try new things. If you've been curious about yoga, boxing or Pilates, take a class. You can always quit after a single lesson if you discover it's not for you.

Step 5

Look for exercises that will improve your golf skills and you will likely enjoy the workout a lot more. Yoga can give you flexibility and improve your swing, while weight training will improve your upper body strength. The better your cardio strength, the better your breathing and your ability to cope with a full day on the links.

About The Author

Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.