4 Ways to Make Exercise Fun

As per World Health Organisation (WHO) one must indulge in at least an average of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week.

According to a study less than 5% of adults participate in 30 mins of physical activity each day

I know we all begin the week really motivated to hit our goals but usually fall flat as the week progresses. You're not alone if you feel this way. Most adults find it very challenging to motivate themselves among all other commitments like work, daily etc.

The secret is to trick the brain. To do this firstly you must have a workout plan that is realistic and achievable and secondly you must make it ‘fun’ so your brain actually wants to do it.

Some fun workouts to add to your routine are:

Tip #1 - Pilates

Pilates, popularised by celebrities for its long, lean, and sculpted aesthetic, has become a household name.For those who don't know Pilates is a form of exercise which concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. This helps to improve general fitness and overall well-being. Similar to Yoga, Pilates concentrates on posture, balance and flexibility.

Pilates is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, size, ability, or current fitness level. The benefits of pilates are that it increases and improves cognitive functioning. Pilates also improves core strength and posture and reduces back pain. It improves flexibility and mobility and It increases energy throughout the body.

Tip#2 - Dance

Dancing is a whole-body workout that's actually fun. It's good for your heart, it makes you stronger, and it can help with balance and coordination. A 30-minute dance class burns between 130 and 250 calories, about the same as jogging.

Zumba Dancing

One dance cardio option that is currently extremely popular is Zumba dancing. Zumba uses Latin and hip hop dance influences to create a dance workout that is fun and effective. Zumba classes are popular and easy to find.

Salsa

For optimum calorie burning you can try the many forms of salsa dancing, too. Salsa is fun and exciting and reaps as many great benefits as other forms of cardio dance. Great if you have a partner in crime.

Tip # 3 - Self Defence

People are turning to popular self defence forms to aid in keeping their body fit.

Krav Maga

Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art. Developed for the Israel Defence Forces, it is derived from a combination of techniques used in aikido, judo, karate, boxing and wrestling. It is known for its focus on real-world situations and its extreme efficiency

Boxing

You can find an instructor to train you on this at your local gym.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. It focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one's opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds. Does need a high level of fitness but once there it is definitely fun and addictive.

Tip #4 - Play a Sport

If you live in a community you will find plenty of opportunities to play sports.

You could join a group that plays your favourite sport. Football, tennis and badminton are some easy to pick up sports.

You could make your gym cardio more fun by listening to your favourite podcast or listening to stand up comedy or even youtube if you're on an exercise bike.

If you like you could offer to walk your neighbours pets around the block to get some cardio in.