We all know just how important exercise is for our wellbeing, especially now that it has been shown that overweight and unfit people are at a greater risk from coronavirus, but for a lot of us, exercise isn’t easy. There are those people who love hitting the gym – who can’t wait to put on their trainers and start seating – and those of us who look at it as more of a form of torture. If you’re one of the latter, could it be that you just aren’t setting yourself up for a fun and easy exercise session?
There are loads of things you can do to make exercise easier, and even potentially enjoyable, and they could change your life. Take a look:
Do Something You Enjoy
So many people think that exercising and getting healthy means hitting the gym hard or pounding away on the pavement, and it can, but it doesn’t have to. You’re far more likely to enjoy getting fit if you do something you love. That could be walking in the hills with your doggie or the kids, hula hooping in the back garden or learning how to dance like your favourite Strictly pro – all things that will have you moving, burning calories and increasing your fitness levels without ever setting foot in a gym.
Do It With A Partner
Exercising alone can be enjoyable for some, but numerous studies have shown that, if you want to maintain your motivation levels, keep exercising and have some fun along the way, you need a buddy. So, instead of going out alone, bring your husband, best friend or even one of the kids along with you. They’ll keep you accountable, so next time you’re tempted to skip a session you won’t because that would be letting them down, and they’ll keep you company so the time will pass more quickly.
Invest In Comfy Kit
Exercising can get pretty uncomfortable at times and that can be enough to make it feel too hard and like it’s really not worth the bother. That’s why, if you’re serious about exercising, whether to lose weight or get healthier, it’s worth investing in a comfortable and supportive pair of running shoes, some moisture-wicking tops and leggings and maybe a sweatband to keep your hair (and all that sweat you’ll be producing) out of your eyes. You don’t have to spend a fortune – just choose pieces that do the job and feel comfy to you and you’ll feel great.
Create An Upbeat Playlist
Music makes everything better and exercise is no exception. If your body movements are accompanied by your favourite upbeat tunes, it’ll hardly feel like exercise at all and the beat will keep you on track, motivating you to meet your maximum levels.
Do It First Thing
The idea of getting up early in the morning to exercise may fill you with dread, but think about how much happier you’ll feel throughout the day with those lovely exercise endorphins pumping through your body and the knowledge that you’ve already worked out for the day and you won’t need to worry about fitting a run in when you finally get the kids to bed. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?
Carry A Water Bottle
Trying to exercise when your throat feels as dry as the desert and all you can think about is that next glass of ice-cold water is never going to produce results. Be kind to yourself and invest in a thermal water bottle that will enable you to have constant access to the wet stuff as you exercise and it will be so much easier.
Take It Slow
If you’re new to exercise, the last thing you want to do is go all in and attempt to run a marathon or lift the heaviest weight in the gym. Your journey will be a whole lot easier if you take it slow, starting at the lowest comfortable level and then building upon that session after session. Your body will gradually get stronger as you slowly push yourself and nothing will ever feel too hard. Listen to your body and treat it right!
Exercising may not naturally be your idea of a good time, but it is really possible to learn how to love it. It’s amazing seeing what your body can do and how well you can feel when you give yourself a chance. So, take the above on board, do whatever you can to make exercise easy and start your journey towards a fitter, healthier you. What are you waiting for?
*collaborative post
