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Switch it up & introduce some fun into your exercise

Working out doesn’t need to feel like pulling teeth. Adding more enjoyment to physical exercise can go a long way in allowing you to stay consistent and motivated to stay in shape.

Below is a closer look at some ways you can switch up your physical exercise to inject a little more fun into your workout.

Woman heading out to surf as the sun rises

Fun activities to get your body moving

Exercise is something that is quite polarizing. Some people love it while other people dread it. Some people enjoy moving their body and don’t mind getting sore, while others absolutely despise it. If you don’t like traditional workouts, there are many ways to make physical activity more fun.

When it comes to working out, many people have a skewed perspective of what it means to exercise. Going to a gym, running on a treadmill, weightlifting, and utilizing workout machines are people's initial ideas for physical exercise. While these methods have their place, many people don’t experience a level of fun that keeps them engaged.

In reality, getting in a good workout isn’t confined to going to the gym regularly. There are a number of recreational activities and sports that can help increase your level of physical health. Let’s look at some examples of unique and fun activities you can do to get your body moving.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing in recent years has seen a large jump in popularity. In many cities across the country, rock climbing gyms are opening up left and right, for a good reason. Rock climbing is an individualistic sport that can help to facilitate functional strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.

This sport combines physical activity with problem-solving. It’s no wonder so many people are drawn to this activity. Knowing how to grip certain holds, figuring out your body position in relation to the wall, and understanding how to overcome challenges are all things that make rock climbing so enjoyable.

In addition to enjoying rock climbing in the gym, you can venture out into the great outdoors and experiment with outdoor climbing. Outdoor climbing may be more involved, but it can be a great way to get some vitamin D while also getting a full-body workout.

Martial arts

Martial arts is another unique activity that can help to get your body moving, blood pumping, and muscles exercised. There are many types of martial arts; some of the most popular include Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, and Taekwondo.

Martial arts is a great and fun way to get into physical shape, but some forms of martial arts can teach you self-defense tactics in the process. That’s in addition to other potential benefits, like learning about discipline, courage, and respect.

Water sports

If you have a body of water near you and love the outdoors, watersports may be an option worth exploring. Some popular watersports include surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, and canoeing.

While watersports may not be available year-round in some locations, they can make for a fun and refreshing exercise during the hot summer months. If you aren’t near a huge body of water, don’t worry. Don’t overlook your local lake or the neighbor’s large pond for canoeing or kayaking.

Bike riding

Biking is something that has been around for hundreds of years. Now, anyone can find a form of biking that fits their lifestyle. For adventure and thrill seekers, mountain biking is a popular option.

But biking doesn’t have to be something you save for after your work day is finished. Not only does it help improve your cardiovascular health and leg strength, but it can also be an enjoyable method of transportation.

For individuals looking for a cleaner method of commuting, e-bikes and commuter biking make for some excellent options.

With rising gasoline costs, opting for a bike can be a welcome change for your health and wallet. Biking is a great means of exercising and certainly worth checking out.

Using technology to make workouts more enjoyable

Technology tends to get a bad rep when it comes to physical fitness. Consumable media is often viewed as a cause for a more sedentary lifestyle, but what if technology could be utilized to make exercise more entertaining and engaging?

When it comes to working out, you don't always have to reinvent the wheel to have fun. Simply adding some tech may be able to make them more enjoyable.

Below is a closer look at some ways you can incorporate technology into your workout to make it less of a chore and something you might actually look forward to.

Play video games

Video games are typically thought of as the antithesis of physical activity and understandably so. Sitting with a controller in hand doesn’t exactly get the blood pumping and body moving. While traditional video games don’t facilitate a workout, new and modern games have physical activity built right in.

One of the first and most popular video game consoles that facilitated a workout was the Wii. A 2019 study found that utilizing a Wii-based game was effective in reducing inactivity in participants.

Today there are a number of games and consoles that require you to be physically active to interact with the game. Some even include exercise equipment to help you work up a sweat and have a great time too.

Utilize fitness apps

Staying on top of your fitness is more accessible than it has ever been before. It’s all thanks to the power of technology. Years ago, you would have had to spend tons of money on a personal trainer or nutrition coach to get efficient results at the gym.

While there is still a place for personal trainers, people can now utilize fitness apps as a cost-effective alternative or a supplement to help them along their fitness journey.

Fitness apps and technology today are quite advanced. Simply pairing a smartwatch with your smartphone can provide you with invaluable information like heart rate, oxygen saturation, and cardiovascular fitness.

Additionally, fitness apps offer countless workout routines, exercise programs, and diets tailored to your specific fitness goals. Utilizing fitness apps may be just what you need to take your workouts to the next level.

Add in favorite media

Digital media is something that has allowed people to consume content whenever and wherever they are. Having access to a seemingly limitless number of podcasts, audiobooks, playlists, TV shows, and movies is amazing. Research estimates that people spend an average of 463 minutes with media.

But we don't need to take all those entertainment options sitting down. Pair up your workout with your favorite movies or TV shows. Go for a run and listen to a podcast or upgrade your music with a new rocking playlist for that next bike ride.

Working out with others

Working out is too often viewed as a solo endeavor, but the reality is that working out with others can not only be more fun but can also make a positive impact on your mental health.

Humans are inherently social creatures, so why not combine social interaction with physical activity? Working out with your family, friends, or kids can add to the experience and promote healthier living for yourself and those around you.

Below is a closer look at some ways you can work out with others to switch it up and add some much-needed pizzazz to your workout regimen.

Team sports

Many people participated in team sports when they were younger, but these fun outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed at any age. Team sports are a great way to sneak physical activity into something inherently fun.

Having a healthy dose of competitiveness doesn’t hurt either. It could help you push yourself harder than you would if you were working out alone. Soccer, softball and even ultimate frisbee are some of the many sports that can make working out something you can’t wait to do.

Group classes

Group classes are a great way to switch up your regular exercise routine and get you working out with others. Who couldn’t use more socializing? There is a fitness class available for almost all the types of exercise out there.

Dance classes, yoga, pilates, and Zumba are all examples of just a few classes that are available. The social aspect of group classes can be a draw for many as working out with others tends to be more enjoyable and a great place to meet new people right in your local area.

The bottom line

In summary, exercise is something that can be made into a fun activity with a little bit of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Whether you choose a non-traditional activity like rock climbing or opt to listen to your favorite podcast as you run, you’ve now got plenty of options.

However you choose to work out, don’t forget to take care of your overall health. Look to MitoQ Pure as a way to potentially help support faster recovery and maintain feelings of energy.

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