Making Exercise Fun! (When Exercise Isn't Much Fun)

I'll be the first to admit it, I don't really LIKE to exercise. I know some people live for it, but that's just not me. However, I know it's good for me, and since beginning daily exercise routines I'm in much better shape and have more energy to do the things I love. And so I keep exercising.

But as much of a chore as exercising can be at times, that doesn't mean I don't also have a little fun with it. And I find the best way to make it fun is to keep shaking things up.

On top of doing my Beachbody program, which currently is PiYo, these are some things I enjoy doing:

Swimming
This summer I invested in a summer pass to our town pool. It really wasn't that much money and with how many times I was able to go it was worth it! Sometimes I would go just to relax in the sun on a hot day. Other times I would go and swim laps for 30-to-45 minutes. Swimming is a great all-over workout and it's low-impact so it's not hard on my body.

Tennis
Though I don't play as much as I would like to, it's a fun way for me to get in some exercise! They have courts in town we can use for free, so the only investment is rackets and balls. If you buy them at a place like Walmart they are not too expensive, and if taken care of they will last for years.

Roller Blading
Once again, not something I have done a whole lot in my adult years, but FUN! (Last summer I got a pair at Walmart on clearance for about $20.) Earlier this week, on one of my cross-training days, I broke out the roller blades and took advantage of one of the newly paved roads in my neighborhood. It was fun + a workout!

Soccer

I enjoyed playing soccer when I was in college, but since then I've only ever gotten to play once a year during an alumni game at my family's high school. I enjoy soccer very much—for some reason when I'm running around focused on kicking a ball with my feet I forget how much effort I'm putting in. I would love to find a women's league to join so I could play more often.

Hiking
I live in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire and there are TONS of hiking trails for all ages and abilities just a few minutes away. Earlier this summer I hiked Mt. Washington. It's a challenging hike, but so rewarding.

Walking
I love walking with friends. Over the past few years I've walked with several friends and it's a great way to catch up but also get in some exercise.

So, if you are anything like me and struggle with your exercise consider changing it up with different activities. It makes achieving your fitness goals a lot more fun!