Some days, I feel a strong motivation to get my body moving, while on others, exercise is the last thing I want to do with my time. My “foundational habits” take up my morning time so the only time I have available to exercise is during the afternoon, typically right after class. Needless to say, I don’t always feel up to the task. Nevertheless, regular exercise is a necessity for me. It keeps my mind and body functioning at a higher level and obviously keeps me in shape. So, exercise is just one of those non-negotiable things in my life. However, what is negotiable is the type of exercise that I do.

I like fun, everybody likes fun (I hope). Fun is fun. Fun things leave a positive impression on us which leads to a desire to continue to do this fun thing. This is why I propose we combine the positive impression of a fun activity with the satisfaction of exercise.  Exercise can absolutely be a fun activity. I don’t mean affirming to yourself over and over while on that 5k run that you are having fun (unless that is your thing). What I mean is, picking exercises that meet in the middle of the venn diagram of fun and exercise.

I’ve recently incorporated a fun activity to my exercise routine. It’s a game called “Dance Dance Revolution,” also known as DDR. It’s very likely you have seen this in an arcade somewhere, but I’ve attached an image below for reference. Turns out, you can just get a free version of the game on your PC and purchase a USB dance pad for around $30 dollars and voila! You have yourself a dancing machine. I understand this won’t be for everyone, but it works for me. It’s fun, engaging, challenging and great exercise. It works for me for several different reasons: it involves dancing to music, already something I love to do, it is a game in which you can continuously improve and beat your own high score, and lastly, it’s convenient, I can just roll out the pad and connect it to my laptop.  There is even an endless mode where I can get a good 25-30 minute aerobic session in while simultaneously having fun and improving at the game.

Because of how much fun I have playing it, I notice my motivation levels to get up and exercise are higher. The funness of the game combines with the fulfillment you get after exercising to create a positive impression on me. This positive impression makes me look forward to exercising, rather than dreading it as I often do.

DDR is just one example of many fun exercises. Sports are another great example. Pick a sport you like and find local people to play with. The added community will even bolster your motivation to show up and build camaraderie. For me it’s basketball. Everywhere I have lived, I have found a group of people to play basketball with. It ends up being the most intense exercise of my week but goes by in a flash, because as they say, time flies when you are having fun (could insert a link to the last blog).

Don’t resonate with the aforementioned examples of how to have fun while getting a good workout? Here are some more ideas: 

Dancing: Even without the game and dance pad, dancing can still be a great way to get your heart rate up and have fun at the same time. There are many different types of dancing to choose from, so you can find something that you enjoy. You can join a dance fitness class if you prefer more structure, or just put on your favorite tunes and groove out in your own home.

Swimming: Swimming is an incredible way to cool off on a hot day and get a full-body workout at the same time. It is also a low-impact exercise. This means that it is easy on your joints, making it a good choice for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Rock Climbing: Rock climbing is a great way to challenge yourself and get a full-body workout at the same time. Most cities these days have their fair share of rock climbing gyms. Another great way to build a community.

Hula Hooping: Pick up a hula hoop and give your core and hips a fun workout.

Obstacle Course Races: Sign up for obstacle course races like Tough Mudder or Spartan Race for a challenging and fun fitness event.

Geocaching: Combine hiking and treasure hunting by geocaching. It’s a fun way to explore while keeping active.

Trampoline Jumping: Bouncing on a trampoline can be a playful way to get your heart rate up while improving balance and coordination.

There are a multitude more examples of ways to get moving while still having fun. One of our co-founders, Decker, even told me that he recently joined a circus gym. So get creative, think of something you have fun doing, then work towards finding how that can also become exercise. The options are endless, so go ahead and dream up what it is that could get your body moving without it feeling like it’s a grind!