While some people love to work out, others find it monotonous and more like a chore. The result? They don’t stick with it. But what if you could do some fun exercises?
I know, you may think that “fun exercises” don’t actually exist, but they do! They give you all the benefits of working out and also come with the added benefit of being something you enjoy!
Sound too good to be true? Keep reading to discover my top five fun exercises you should consider trying.
Whether you haven’t exercised in a while and you’re seeking the motivation to start back up or you’re just looking to switch up your workout routine, you’ll want to check out these five fun exercises that take the “work” out of your workout.
They key is to find one (or more!) of these fun workout ideas that really speak to you and sound enjoyable so that you’re more likely to stick with it. Now, let’s dive in!
If you know me personally, you know that it’s no secret how much I love to dance. I’ve been a dancer all my life. And if I’m not at the studio for my weekly class, odds are that you can find me dancing around my kitchen or with my kids throughout the house.
I love dancing not only because it makes me happy and helps me relieve stress, but it’s also a great workout. Plus, I find it to be one of the most fun exercises I do.
Interestingly, research has shown that dance helps to alleviate anxiety and depression as well as improve your cognition and overall quality of life. [1]
And studies have revealed that dancing improves flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, and even balance. [2, 3, 4, 5
Plus, simply moving to the beat helps to burn some calories, which can help fight obesity.
All you have to do is put on your favorite song with a great beat and get moving. You can dance in the privacy of your own home or even join a dance-focused workout group at your local gym. Just find what works for you and have some fun doing it!
If you’ve ever been a parent or a babysitter, you know how tiring playing with kids can be. But that also means it’s a great workout. And is there anything better than reacquainting yourself with your inner child while connecting with the little ones you love most in your life
That’s why playing with your kids or grandkids made it high up on my list of fun exercises. Not only are you getting quality time with important people in your life and building lifelong memories, but by being active with them, you’re getting some exercise in the process.
The best part? It won’t even feel like exercise because the focus will be on the quality time together.
Recently, I went rock climbing with my sons—and that was definitely a workout! It was great to be active together and also make new memories. But we also regularly ride our bikes and swim in the pool together.
Consider what activities you can do with the kids in your life to foster the bond as well as promote your own movement. Perhaps the biggest benefit? You’re modeling great healthy habits for your kids or grandkids, which will help to set them up for lifelong health as well!
Sometimes, it’s hard to get motivated to get up and work out—even if you know you’ll enjoy it once you begin. So, if you’re the competitive type, you can make almost any workout fit into the “fun exercises” category by making a game out of it.
Keep track of how many minutes you work out or how many reps you previously completed. Then, try to beat it or outlast your previous time.
You can also include a friend and see who can do the most pushups or who can run the longest—whatever makes it more interesting for you.
Think back to when you were a kid. If someone had asked you about some fun exercises or activities, odds are that swimming would’ve ranked pretty high.
There’s just something so relaxing and freeing about being the water. Plus, water exercises tend to be easier on your joints, so there’s an added bonus right there.
Interestingly, studies have shown that when stroke survivors completed water-based fun exercises for just eight weeks, they saw a 22-percent improvement in cardiovascular fitness. [6]
And considering that swimming freestyle for an hour burns anywhere from about 500 to 700 calories, it’s also a great way to combat obesity.
If swimming doesn’t really appeal to you, you can try other water-based fun exercises, such as walking in water, kicking your legs in the water as if you’re pedaling a bicycle, or even do arm presses by holding onto the side of the pool.
It’s no secret that being out in nature offers some pretty incredible health benefits. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in nature helps to lower frustration, while being surrounded by little green space causes increased stress. [7, 8]
Gardening and being out in your yard can offer a great workout, and it’s quite enjoyable to watch the fruits of your labor and give back to the earth. That’s why it made my list of top fun exercises you can do.
So, how does it benefit your health, other than by keeping you moving? Well, according to one study, daily gardening was shown to lower the participants’ risk of dementia by an incredible 36 percent. [9]
Plus, pulling weeds, digging in the dirt, and all that twisting and moving around is great for your flexibility and strength.
Whether you’re interested in having a vegetable garden or simply love the look of certain flowers, if you’re feeling unmotivated to work out, consider getting outside in your yard and getting your hands dirty. I guarantee the time will fly by and you’ll feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment when you’re done.
