Do you have fun moving your body or do you see it as a chore that you need to get through?

Working out should be fun. If it feels like a chore then I reckon it’s time that you try another form of movement. Granted, it may not be fun every single second, but it really should be something that you want to do. For example, hill training can be an absolute beast, and yeah, when you see it on your training plan you might dread it, but a) you know that running hills makes you stronger and b) you’ll feel like a machine once you get going.

So if you aren’t having fun with your workouts, here are 11 examples of how you can add in more enjoyment.

• Make a killer new playlist. This may seem super obvious but mixing up your tunes can totally change how you feel about a workout – check out some music suggestions here and here.
• Channel your inner child. Remember as a kid how much fun was to be had running around and being curious? A kid doesn’t think “I need to move my body for 30 minutes today so I’ll go for a run”, of course they don’t, they just go and be a kid. What movement did you enjoy doing as a child? Add some of that into your week and you’ll be surprised at how much fun you have.
• Invite a friend to workout with you, getting lost in conversation makes everything more fun.
• When going for your next run, explore a new area or perhaps give trail running a try (let me tell you, trail running is a whole different experience!).
• Rather than heading straight home after your workout, stop off at your favourite cafe for a hot drink and sweet treat – my favourite is Calii Love (I highly recommend their love brownie!)
• Try a new class or gym that you’ve been interested in. For me, indoor rock climbing is on my list.
• Take your workout outside, it adds a whole new dimension being out in nature. I’d highly recommend grabbing your yoga mat and taking it to the beach or doing weight training in your garden.
• Release those inhibitions. One of my personal favourites is putting on some epic tunes and dancing around my office/living room/balcony like nobody is watching.
• Be open to trying something new, something you would never have thought you’d ever try. I was talking with a friend and she mentioned that her husband went out for beer and randomly checked out a new local gym. Because he was curious about this new location, they are now super into weight lifting, like really heavy weights. Be curious about the possibility of doing something that was never even on your radar!
• Take your cue from Mother Nature. If it’s snowing, consider going sledding or building a snowperson. If it’s raining, go for a run and splash in all the puddles. If it’s a beautiful sunny day, ditch your indoor plans and explore a local national park or greenway.
• Shift your mindest. Moving your body doesn’t need to mean going to the gym to use the machines, what about a hike with friends, running around the park with your dog, paddleboarding, rollerskating, etc.

If you don’t like the movement you are doing, then ditch it. There are so many other ways you can move your body that if it isn’t bringing you joy, then it’s not right for you.

I’d love to know, comment below what form of movement brings you joy.

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