7 ways to make exercise more fun

Tired of the same old workout routine? Struggling to find the motivation to go out for a run? The good news is with a few adjustments, you can transform exercise from a monotonous task into an enjoyable activity to look forward to!

From social workouts to setting rewarding goals, here are seven creative ways to inject some fun into your fitness regime. Keep reading to find out how to transform your workouts now and in the future.

1. Buddy up!

Exercising with a loved one or friend can make the activity more social and motivating. You can encourage each other and set joint targets to reach your goals or try new activities. It can also make going for a jog or run safer, particularly in less well-lit areas. Find someone who has the same interests and fitness level as you and set up regular exercise dates that work for both of you.

2. Join a fitness class

Exercise classes are a great way to socialise and have fun while getting fit. With an array of options like Zumba, yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics, spinning and martial arts, there’s a class out there to suit everyone’s preferences and fitness levels. These group settings not only provide a structured routine but help to foster a sense of community, camaraderie and belonging. Take a look at our LiveWell Activity Finder to find a class in your local area. You can also read our article Fun group exercise workouts for more inspiration.

3. Get sporty

Finding a sport you enjoy can be the ideal solution to combining exercise with fun. Why not join a local team or a club, or just play casually with friends or family. Some examples of fun sports to try are badminton, 5-a-side football, netball or tennis.

4. Create the ultimate workout playlist

Listening to your favourite upbeat music can make exercise more fun and enjoyable. Create your own playlist of motivational tunes that will help you set the pace, rhythm and intensity of your workout. You can sync your movements to the beat or change the tempo according to your mood.

5. Mix it up

Doing the same exercises every day can get boring and monotonous. To make it more fun, consider mixing up your routine with a variety of different activities. Why not alternate between cardio and strength training, or switch between indoor and outdoor exercises? You can also vary the duration, frequency and intensity of your workouts. This way, you can keep your body and mind challenged and interested.

6. Set goals and rewards

Setting goals, targets and rewards can make exercise more satisfying and fun. You can set realistic and specific goals for yourself, such as running a certain distance, lifting a certain weight or completing a specific number of reps. You can also track your progress and celebrate your achievements. To reward yourself, why not treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a tasty snack, a film night or massage.

7. Get green-fingered

You might not think of gardening as an exercise but this outdoor activity can help improve your physical health as well as being an enjoyable pastime. Digging, planting, weeding, watering, pruning, and harvesting all help you burn calories, build strength and improve flexibility. You can also enjoy the fruits of your labour by eating fresh and healthy produce from your own garden.

Need further inspiration on how to make exercise fun?

Exercise is essential for our health and wellbeing. If you are keen to get more active on a regular basis, our website features lots of useful resources offering free advice and support on how to live a healthier and happier life. Why not try our Habit Hacker tool, designed to help improve lifestyle habits, or speak to one of our expert coaches who can put together a personalised activity plan tailored to you and your fitness goals? We’ve helped thousands of people across Dorset and we’d love to help you too! Contact the LiveWell team or register with us today.