We could all do with moving more, helping us to enjoy healthier, longer lives. If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll get quicker results from combining healthy eating with exercise, while also helping to tone your muscles.
But let’s face it, how many of us actually like exercising? For many, it can feel like a chore, but it also takes a lot of hard work. What if there was a way to trick yourself into liking exercise? You might just find the answer below…
Make it low cost
If you are anything like us, you would have a big grin across your face if you found everything you need for your exercise regime at a very low cost. You can have a look out online for gym equipment that others are selling. Some people have been optimistic about their New Year plans but quickly fall off the exercise wagon. You could get gym clothes, shoes, dumbells and other things quite cheaply. Check on sites like eBay, Amazon and Sphock for greatly discounted items that you could benefit from.
Start off simply
Starting a new exercise regime doesn’t have to involve punishing yourself in a gym or attempting to run 10k. If you start off with something too difficult then you’re not going to be able to stick at it. Start off with short bursts of exercise or by going walking. As you start to discover that ‘it’s not that bad’, you’ll have the motivation to push yourself a little bit more each time. Try some easy workout ideas to help you build up your strength and stamina.
Do it in front of the TV
Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day to fit in everything you need to do, and exercise is usually the first thing to go when you’ve got a lot on. But who says you can’t do two things at once? Why not do some exercise in front of the TV? There’s a lot you can do in half an hour while your favourite programme is on, and could be a great new way to introduce fitness back into your routine.
Buy some new workout clothes
When you buy yourself new clothes, the first thing you want to do is go and show them off. The same is true for workout clothes. Some new fitness gear could be all you need to give you the motivation to start exercising. When you look good, you feel good and you’ll soon associate that feeling with working out.
Make it a challenge
If your exercise is boring, you’ll soon lose interest and give up. However, when you’re doing something that challenges yourself, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will make the whole thing work out. Take a look at circuit training ideas and what it involves to help you look at some fun ways you can challenge yourself – increasing your number of repetitions as you become fitter. A circuits class can be a great way to meet people too, with a sense of bonding over how gruelling your workout is!
Think of it as credit for meal times
Exercise is a good way to supplement healthy eating so that you can maximise your efforts. Weight loss is all about calories in and calories out, and boosting how many calories you burn through exercise will allow you to eat a little bit more. When you know you’ve got something tasty waiting for you later, you’ll feel motivated to make it to the end of your workout. Save some food ideas to plan your meals that will fuel your desire to work out!
Rope some friends in
Exercise is definitely more fun when you involve some friends. Whether you go walking together, attend a fitness class or keep each other company in the gym, you’ll enjoy exercise a bit more with someone by your side. There are great exercises to do with friends, such as going climbing, a nice long hike or a fun class together. It’s a lovely way to socialise and you’ll associate exercise with the happy feeling of seeing your friends too.
Make it fun
Exercise can be anything that gets you moving and gets your heart rate up. Choosing something that you enjoy doing will make it much less tortuous and keep things interesting. From using a playlist full of your favourite songs to listening to an audiobook as you work out – you can try different techniques to get you pumped up and excited about exercise. Check out some fitness apps that feature games that are a lot of fun to use while you’re working out, giving you a good excuse to look forward to your session.
It’s easy to dread exercise, but avoiding it could be damaging to your health. Even moderate exercise like walking and swimming can make a difference to your health, helping you transform your fitness and get stronger. Making that initial start could help you get over your fear of exercise, and could lead you to do something that you love. Start tricking yourself into liking exercise and who knows, maybe you’ll start liking it for real!
Motivation is really essential in working out. For you to keep moving you have to push yourself that you have to do it. Thanks for sharing those tips.
One trick that always work for me all the time is thinking that I can eat lots of food afterwards. But hey, it is not just any food. Good food but best eaten after workout.
If I may suggest, here are the nutritious food that can be mouth-watering while exercising. Such motivation!
– Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables.
– Egg omelet with avocado spread on toast.
– Salmon with sweet potato.
– Tuna salad sandwich on whole grain bread.
– Tuna and crackers.
– Oatmeal, whey protein, banana and almonds.
– Cottage cheese and fruits.
Great contribution! Thanks
Love your list, Joleisa. It is indeed fun when you do it in front of the TV, sometimes, I do it with groove dance and imagining I’m in the crowd dancing—it’s a happy moment.
Thanks for sharing,
it’s very informative for me.
I also find it relevant.
Cheers.