 Find ways to make exercise fun
Now that it's February, are you starting to feel that your new exercise program is a drag? There are lots of ways to make it more fun and interesting.
An exercise buddy is always a great solution. If you can find someone with a similar fitness and commitment level, you can keep each other on track. Chatting while walking or doing cardio helps pass the time. Your buddy can also help you sort through life's non-exercise issues.
There are many electronic devices available to help pass the time. You can get iPods and smart phones that play movies. You can download audio books. eReaders are also growing in popularity. With an eReader, you can change the font size so that it's easy to read at a distance. This is perfect for a treadmill or elliptical machine. A great motivator is to commit to only watching that movie or listening to/reading that book while you are exercising. You will likely find that it keeps you going longer as well as looking forward to your next session.
You can also try group fitness classes. The instructor provides a distraction and helps to keep you challenged. You can learn about muscle groups, proper exercise form and interesting new exercises and moves. Dance aerobics and cycling classes are fun and easy to follow. Most gyms offer classes for moderate level resistance training and weight lifting. In cycling classes, you can set the tension at a level that's comfortable for you. And don't forget about water aerobics, which is where I started my weight-loss journey.
In a class, you will make new friends and might even find a buddy to enjoy other exercise activities with. That's how I met Carol, my gym buddy. We've been working out together for more than six years now. |
