When was the last time you associated the word “FUN” with “FITNESS?” Your answer should be “EVERYDAY!” What happened to the idea of getting fit while having a good time? Too many people spend hours upon hours mindlessly zooming on an elliptical or focusing on the episode of Friends instead of challenging themselves on a stationary bike. Not only is this not the most effective way to making your body healthy and fit,it’s just plain boring! There are endless options you can choose when going to a gym that are fun, will make you forget you are even working out, and give your body something to accomplish and feel great about. The hardest part is making the commitment to actually doing it!
According to an article written in the Contra Costa Times, “The act of playing is a great way to work out.” As children, we play all these active games that get us moving and working up a sweat, but we never realized that they were a great way to stay in shape too. Games like tag, Marco Polo, playground activities, dodge-ball and so many others kept our hearts healthy and our minds active without even realizing that we were exercising!
New fitness trends are popping up all over the place marketing the “fun” factor of fitness. Whether you attend one of the thousands of Zumba classes taking place all over the world, a bouncy fitness class in a room filled wall to wall with trampolines, or even a Hoopnotica class that brings back your hula hooping years, there is no excuse to ever have a boring workout. It could be as simple as jumping into one of the games your kids play with their friends, making your current routine a competition with a friend, or even hopping into the next group fitness class at your local recreation center. The results will certainly surprise you!
Not only are these kinds of activities fun, but they challenge your body and muscles in ways that you are probably not used to. Instead of taking the risk of your body falling into a routine and reaching a plateau, you are constantly surprising it with new movements and new obstacles to overcome. The point is to make a smile grow on your face, have fun, and actually look forward to any opportunity to exercise while having fun!
