Exercise. It's a word many of us dread. Some find it boring, while
others just can't stand doing it for whatever reason. Finding
motivation to do it is a challenge for us all. Finding ways to make
exercise enjoyable can be difficult, but it's quite possible.
Yes, that's right. Exercise can be enjoyable!
If one hates exercise, how can they make it fun, then? Well, it
takes a little creativity. Here are a few suggestions for ways to work
out that will keep you entertained at the same time.
Dance Dance Revolution
Though you might feel a little silly doing this at first, the
popular video game Dance Dance Revolution has the potential to give the
player a fantastic cardio workout. The game itself is fairly simple:
you step on the arrows as the corresponding arrows on the screen match
up. It takes a great deal of practice to become good enough at it so
you're drenched in sweat after every game, but it gives you something
to work for. That's the beauty of it: it's a game, and that factor
keeps you going even when you get tired.
Eyetoy: Kinetic
Yet again, the Playstation is the way to go to make exercise
entertaining. Utilizing the Eyetoy camera, Kinetic reflects your image
back at you on the screen as you perform various activities in this
virtual workout world. You kick, punch, and jump your way to fitness in
a way that's challenging and fun!
Mini Stair Stepper
The beauty behind this invention is that it's compact, portable,
and can be done just about anywhere. You can use this miniature stair
stepper while you work, study, or watch TV. You could even put it in
front of your Playstation and play what would normally be a sedentary
game as you step! Can it get much better?
iPods and TVs
Do you get easily bored on the treadmill? There's an easy solution,
then: television. Either load television shows onto your video iPod or
set your treadmill in front of a TV. It'll keep you occupied while you
work out so you don't realize how much time as passed. I personally
used to speed walk on the treadmill while watching reruns of Star Trek:
The Next Generation. The hour-long episodes kept my mind off of how
tired I was or how boring and repetitive working out can be.
Workout Buddies
Having a friend to work out with can be the best thing for your
motivation. Not only is it a great time to socialize, but the fact that
you've made a commitment to another person that you will work out at
this time on these days will motivate you further. You can't just sleep
in when you know you've got a friend waiting for you at the gym.
Furry Friends
Walking the dog can not only be an enjoyable pet-and-pet-owner
bonding activity, but it's also a way in which you can motivate
yourself to exercise because that dog needs to be walked daily.
There's no avoiding it. This way, both you and your furry friend get a
workout and both of you will feel better about it. Plus, it's much like
the concept of a workout buddy in the fact that you have someone to
socialize with. Sure, they may not talk back, but that doesn't mean you
can't talk to them!
If you don't see anything here that works for you, get creative! Be
imaginative. If you've got the will to get in shape and improve your
health, you'll certainly find the way that's right for you.