Are you tired of your current exercise routine, or maybe have never found any exercise you enjoy? If so, you’re not alone. CDC data reveals that more than 60 percent of Americans do not engage in the recommended amount of activity, which is 150 minutes per week. It is key to make fitness fun to improve your exercise frequency.
Here are some tips to boost your activity level:
- Choose activities that you like to do, rather than something you’re forcing yourself to do. Research shows that engaging in movement that you enjoy is more sustainable.
- Find an accountability partner such as a friend or family member to join you with workouts or walks.
- Set a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) goal for your activity. For example: I will attend a 60 minute aerobics class 3 times a week for 1 month. And don’t forget to reflect on your goal and make adjustments as needed!
- Reward yourself when you reach your goals! Even better, consider non-food rewards, such as going to a movie, treating yourself to a massage or spa day, scheduling a fun activity with a friend, or buying those workout shoes or clothes you’ve been wanting.
- Incorporate movement into your daily routine. For example, start a routine with your family or partner where you take a 1 mile walk before (or after) dinner together.
- Remove the stress of planning by joining a group fitness activity. Here are some suggestions:
- See if your gym offers group fitness classes or consider joining a gym with group classes
- Find local running clubs and pickup sports on the Meetup app or website
- Consider trying something new, such as Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Roller Derby, Rock Climbing, Barre, Water aerobics, or Boxing
Make Fitness Fun To Improve Consistency
The good news is that any consistent increase in exercise frequency and any duration of movement is beneficial for your health! This means that seemingly small changes such as incorporating 10-minute walks into your work day or increasing your preferred activity from 1 day per week to 2 days per week can improve your health. Find a movement you enjoy and can integrate into your routine and your brain and body will thank you!
Lydia Averette
MS, RD, LDN
Lydia is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who enjoys counseling clients with diverse backgrounds. She obtained her B.S. in Nutrition Sciences at NC State University with a Minor in Sports Science and her M.S. in Foods and Nutrition at The University of Georgia.