Finding Pleasure in Movement: How to Make Exercise Once Again Fun
Research has shown that most people around the world tend to dread exercising in today's fast-paced world. Most are conditioned to view workouts as a necessary evil, something to endure in pursuit of a certain body type or fitness goal. But what if we flipped that? What if we are able to reconnect with that pure, unadulterated joy of movement? Here's how to make exercise fun again and rediscover the happiness that comes with being active.
Mindset comes first. The way we frame our approach to exercise makes a huge difference in motivation. Rather than treating workouts as a chore we must get through, we should rather reframe them as opportunities for enjoyment and self-expression. As kids, we learn to celebrate movement as a mode of play. Do you remember the last time you danced in the living room? That feeling of freedom and enjoyment can become the motivation for your fitness journey.
Discovering new activities is a great way to spark up the excitement again in your life. If you always practiced the conventional games like running or weightlifting, perhaps you might want to diversify. Take a dance class, find a local hiking group, or even try rock climbing. The world is full of different activities whereby different people engage in according to their interests and skill level. You may enjoy doing things you never thought you would. Many find their passion for fitness in the most unlikely of places: a dance studio doing Zumba, a martial arts hall, or perhaps it's an aerial yoga studio.
Play finds its way into your calendar in other ways as well. Exercise no longer has to be a chore. Do you remember when you were a kid and played outside all the time? You can have your play back as an adult. You might invite your friends over to play some ultimate frisbee, try out a trampoline class, or join a fun obstacle course. Activities that bring you laughter and interacting with others seem much more enjoyable. When the emphasis is on "Let's have some fun" instead of "I have to work out," exercise is no longer a lonely burden, but rather a social activity.
Another way of enjoying movement is to listen to your body and honor what it needs. Many of us force ourselves too hard or on a very strict workout routine that doesn't really allow for pleasure. Pay attention to how you are feeling. You might need a killer workout one day and be up for a light walk or restorative yoga session the next. Listen to your inner voice, and in doing so, you will truly start to enjoy this process and build a healthier relationship with your exercise.
Finally, setting realistic, personal goals can be motivating. Rather than focusing on aesthetics or performance measurements, what do you want to achieve for yourself? Maybe your goal is completing a fun run with friends, climbing a local mountain, or just moving your body more frequently. Such personal goals can help create a purpose that goes beyond just the scale or the gym numbers. Also, little victories along the way will keep enthusiasm in the works.
A motivating environment makes exercising enjoyable. It could be the music you listen to or the space you would prefer to work out in. In any case, nice ambiance can make a world of difference. Make a playlist of the best songs that keep you moving to dance or choose a specific space that gets you pumped, whether it's the park, the beach, or an inspiring nook in your apartment. The right environment gives you many happy vibes and makes movement a thrilling event instead of a chore.
Lastly, incorporate a sense of community. One way to make exercise even more enjoyable is to exercise with people who share the same interest. Be it in running, selecting classes, or going to events in your region, acquaintances with like-minded people bring both motivation and company. Workout buddies not only make exercise more enjoyable but also keep you on your track. Plus, the festivities and experiences together can even make the exercises seem like a celebration rather than a chore.
Find Movement Joy
As concluded above, finding joy in movement involves rediscovering why it was so enjoyable to be active. Rediscover movement joy by changing your mindset, trying new activities, play, hear your body, aim for personal goals, motivating environment, and community relationships.
Remember, it's not about how you look or what you can carry-it's about how you feel doing movement. Now put on those sneakers and dance in that living room, or take on that hike you've been wanting to do. Allow movement to be something that brings you glee and watch as it shapes your relationship with exercise into something fun, fulfilling, and incredibly rewarding. Life is too short for you not to enjoy every single step of the journey.
