If you’re anything like me, your fitness journey has been an uphill battle.
While some people are naturally sporty and athletic, others… aren’t. I recall being practically forced to learn how to ride a bike as a child, because I much preferred to sit inside and read. I wish I got the serotonin high some people get from competitive sports and lifting weights. Instead, I just get sweaty, achy and tired.
Despite this, I know that exercise is necessary for good health. However, most exercise tips I see online are more targeted toward the kind of people who hike mountains for fun rather than women like me, whose natural stance is sitting at a desk. I’m on a mission to find simple ways to incorporate fitness into my life. Without any further ado, here are 3 ways to exercise when you hate exercise;
1. Find an Excuse to Walk More
The first hurdle is usually lack of motivation. It can take a lot to force your body from being habitually sedentary to suddenly turning into a fitness girly. An easy start is by doing something you probably already do every day; walk. For hundreds of years, science has told us that walking is good for your health.
Here are a few great ways to add more walking to your daily routine;
- Instead of waiting for your next big grocery shop, walk down to the store to pick up a household item even if it’s not urgent.
- Walk a dog—even if it’s not yours! Offer to walk pets for your neighbours and friends.
- Invest in a simple indoor treadmill and take slow leisurely strolls as you work from home or watch TV.
2. Take Your Hobbies Outside
If you’re a homebody, you might find it especially hard to commit to traditional exercise methods. If the thought of getting up at 5.00 am to go to the gym gives you shudders, keep reading. You can expand some of your existing interests into outdoor activities that you will actually enjoy and will get you moving. Here are some ideas;
- Like history? Tour your local museum.
- Like to sing? Try karaoke.
- Like art? Tour your local galleries and exhibitions.
- Like video games? Try paintball or laser tag.
- Like animals? Try bird watching or tracking local wildlife.
3. Dance!
Dance is a great way to exercise without feeling like you’re actually doing any work. This paper from the British Journal of General Practice shows that dancing improves strength, coordination, suppleness and balance.
It’s no coincidence that most people are their fittest in their college days. It’s not just the magic of youth, but also the fact that you walked everywhere and probably danced more than any other time of your life. It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 55; it’s still a good idea to out for a night of dancing.
“But what if I can’t dance?” you might be saying. No problem, sign up for a beginner’s dance class. You don’t have to worry about looking clumsy if everyone else in the class is a beginner too. You don’t even need to dance well; just dance. “What if I just hate dancing in public?”. No problem. Just stand in your living room and put on a dance video mix on your TV. If you really want to get into it, you can invest in a VR headset and be in the club without actually being in the club.
Just Keep Moving
It’s okay to not be cut out for a gym membership and half-marathons. You can still keep healthy by living a more active lifestyle and picking up habits which you can actually sustain. Have trouble staying active? Let us know your experience in the comments.
Cynthia Kinyera is a freelance writer specialising in women’s wellness. She uses her easy-flowing prose and digital marketing skills to craft engaging high-converting content. Find out more about her work at cynthiawrites.com.