Finding fun in Fitness
The main reason so many people find exercise a tough commitment is that it can be so darn boring. Any exercise that is undertaken simply to get fitter or lose weight, or both, is often repetitive and uninspiring. But this need not be the case. The best motivation for sticking to a new exercise regime is to make the activity being engaged in fun.
Why get fit?
Of course, we all know why it is important to exercise regularly and not consume more food than we need. Regular exercise helps to keep the body healthy, making the heart and lungs more powerful and keeping unwanted fat off problem areas, such as the stomach and lower body. Exercise has been proven to be a vital element in warding off diseases and illnesses, such as heart conditions and Type 2 diabetes.
Despite knowing the benefits of activity, many of us still find it hard to exercise regularly. We find excuses not to do it, such as having to deal with the kids or having too much work. The truth is that if someone wants something enough, then they will find the time to do it. In addition, it is worth remembering that even a little exercise is better than no exercise at all.
The key to exercising regularly is to not stick to rigid timetables about when it can be performed but to be flexible. For those who have never been particularly active or for those who are returning to exercise, motivation can be more easily maintained if exercise routines are broken up into several manageable timeframes. For instance, rather than doing an hour’s workout, this could be broken up into three workout sessions of 20 minutes each, performed in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening.
One word before moving on. To avoid setbacks, it is important to remember, for those who have been relatively inactive, that it is easy to become injured if correct warm-up and cool down procedures are not followed. Of course, an injury can happen at any time, but it may be worth taking preventative measures by always using appropriate equipment and protecting the body with specialist clothing. Copper fit compression wear, for example, gives a person the opportunity to wear protective clothing and achieve a snug fit without having to worry about loose clothing that may get in the way of exercise, and has the added benefit of aiding the body with more rapid healing should an injury occur. Copper fit has compression wear for every area of the body that requires its special properties, so that an injury need not put an end to a new exercise regime.
Many people find motivation a problem. They know they should exercise because they have had a health scare, or need to lose weight but simply cannot be bothered to get active. For these people, the best motivation is the setting of a goal. This could be simply to become healthier so that a heart problem, for example, is not exacerbated by a sluggish cardiovascular system, or for an overweight person, it could be reaching a certain weight or losing a set number of kilos.
Consistency is the key to success when it comes to sticking to a regime. Consistency usually means performing regular exercise so that it becomes a habit. What it need not mean, however, is that the exercise has to be the same, day in, day out. In fact, it is easier to make fitness fun if the regime is changed up every now and then. For example, a person could take a Pilates class on a Monday, a swimming session on a Wednesday, a weights session on a Friday and a yoga class on a Sunday. Every one of these activities will exercise the body and target different areas of the body but not put too much pressure on any one area all of the time. It should also keep exercise enjoyable, simply because of the variety involved.
It can be very difficult to get children interested in exercise, but it is essential for their good health and may set a pattern that can be carried over into adulthood. A fun way for all the family to get fit is to play games, such as tennis, basketball or football. Team sports are always more inclusive and fun than doing an activity alone, and playing together should mean more quality time for families.
Regular exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, yet it is notoriously difficult to perform. Setting goals, doing what is possible to prevent injury and engaging in team sports are all ways in which fitness can become less of a chore and more something to look forward to.
