These 5 Fun & Easy Ways to Get More Exercise will boost your mood and your health, plus, they’ll make working out fun again!
In an exercise rut? Not feeling motivated to exercise? Overloaded with work/school/parenting & can’t find the time to fit in a workout?
I hear you!
Although I’m no Kathrine Switzer {isn’t she amazing?!}, I’ve somehow managed to work out fairly consistently for most of my life. And, to clarify, I mean that I am “active” 3 or more days per week on a regular basis.
My Exercise Routine Has Evolved…
When I was in my teens and 20’s, running was my main form of exercise, but you know what? As much as I loved running for the physical AND mental health benefits, running didn’t love my body back. I had shin splints, stress fractures, & multiple rounds of plantar fasciitis. With all the recovery time off I had to take, I finally realized that running, at least as my main form of exercise, just isn’t worth it for me.
These days, I’ve learned to listen to my body, and I’ve discovered that what DOES work for me, is to get in a variety of different workouts, including hiking, strength training (SO important for preserving muscle mass & keep our metabolisms up!), stair workouts, HIIT workouts, daily walks with my pups, and more. Honestly, I get bored doing the same workout every day, so mixing things up, also keeps it fun.
Just as there’s no “one size fits all” with diets, the same thing applies to working out…
Are you someone who likes to get up early every morning & get your workout in first thing? That’s great~keep it up!
BUT, if you’re like me, and that’s not your cup of tea, don’t sweat it!
Although I do like to get a morning workout in from time to time {and I walk these guys every morning}, I prefer to exercise mid-day or late afternoon, which reenergizes my day, and helps me de-stress.
Bottom line: Do what works best for you! And, if you find yourself in need of a little extra motivation, get some inspo from these 5 Fun & Easy Ways to Get More Exercise!
5 Easy Ways to Get More Exercise
No. 1 | Get Motivated with Aaptiv!
I recently tried Aaptiv, an on-demand audio fitness app that combines personal trainer guided workouts + motivational music, and I loved it! So far I’ve tried a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) treadmill workout, a stretching workout, a yoga workout, and an outdoor walking working, but there are so many workouts to choose from.
In addition to the workouts I already mentioned, take your pick from the following: outdoor running, elliptical, indoor cycling, rowing, stairclimber, strength training, ab workouts, yoga, meditation, and more.
What I love most about Aaptiv, is the motivation I get from the trainers, especially on the days I’m not super motivated to exercise. Who can relate??? I also love all the options available to customize your workout, including level of difficulty, trainers, time/duration (a quick 10 minute workout is way better than no workout~am I right?!), & music~my top pic is classic rock, but you can also choose from pop, dance, hip hop, chill, R&B, country, regggae, & more.
Try It/Learn More: Sign up for your free 30-day Aaptiv trial, and try out a bunch of different classes. If you like Aaptiv as much as I do, it only costs $5.38/mo if you sign up for a full year, or $14.99/mo billed monthly. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Any questions about Aaptiv? Leave me a comment or get in touch!
Disclosure: I was given a free Aaptiv trial, and asked to write about my experience. I don’t receive any financial compensation for recommending Aaptiv. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
No. 2 | Take a Lap or Spring Clean Your House {Every Day of the Year!}
While studies suggest that standing is a little better, in terms of calories burned, than sitting, moving regularly throughout the day is what’s most important for your health.
And, while time management gurus highly discourage multi-tasking, I think squeezing in a little extra exercise whenever you can, is definitely the way to go.
For me, that means getting up from my computer/desk every thirty minutes, and getting 5 minutes of movement in. Sometimes I run laps around my house (and Kai chases me), sometimes I lift weights, sometimes I fold and put away laundry, and sometimes I even vacuum, although I just broke down and bought a Roomba, because Kai is shedding LIKE CRAZY. Seriously, I am in love!!!
While some of these tricks are definitely easier to do if you work from home, you can still take micro breaks at your office. Got stairs in your building? Climb a few flights! Take a phone call while walking around the building, or maybe you can even get some fresh air while walking and talking. Want more ideas? Check out this list from Greatest –> Deskercise! 33 Smart Ways to Exercise at Work.
Try It/Learn More: Download an app on your computer, like Recess or Time Out, to alert you to take mini breaks. If you don’t already use one, consider investing in a fitness tracker not only to alert you to take breaks, but also to motivate you to get additional steps in. I love my Apple Watch, but there are lots of other fitness tracker options too!
Can you think of any other ways to squeeze mini workouts in throughout the day? Do you use a fitness tracker? If so, do you find it motivates you to be more active?
No. 3 | Take a Hike {Or a Walk in the Park}
Hiking will always be one of my most favorite workouts, not only for the exercise, but, more importantly, for the opportunity to connect with nature. Indeed, scientists have discovered that opting outside and spending time in nature, is a great stress reliever and mood booster. {Suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder? Try Forest Bathing}
Of course, you can look for hiking opportunities close to home (just a few of my favorites here in San Diego are Torrey Pines Reserve, Stonewall Peak, Mt Woodson, Cowles Mountain {pictured above), Iron Mountain, & the Kwaay Paay Peak Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park, but if you travel, either for work or for fun, take the opportunity to discover new trails abroad, and get in some extra steps!
I’ve hiked the Boulder Flatirons, and Bubble Rock (in Acadia National Park) on business trips, the Grand Canyon on a girl’s trip, the Yosemite Panorama trail with friends, and the Hidden Lake trail in Glacier National Park & Cathedral Rock in Sedona with Mr. Spicy and the kids. Just to name a few. Oh, there are so many more hikes I want to do!
Try It/Learn More: The AllTrails app is great for finding new hiking spots. If you don’t have any hiking buddies, Meetup is a great way to hook up with local hikers. And, for some extra hiking inspo, check out my Pinterest board, Wanderlust | Travel + Camping + Hiking.
Do you love to hike too? What are some of your favorite hiking spots? Any #bucketlist hikes you want to do???
No. 4 | Sweat it Out with Friends
Sometimes you need someone else to give you that extra boost of motivation to get a workout in, and that’s what friends are for!
Last year I joined a semi-private weekly fitness class at May Q Fit in Del Mar with some of my friends, and it’s one of the best things I’ve done to boost my strength and overall fitness. We work out hard, but we also have a lot of fun, and the time goes by quickly because we’re a chatty bunch 🙂
In addition to my weekly workout class, I also try and get together with friends for stair workouts (I’m overdue for this one!), dog walking, hiking, and tennis (another one I’m long overdue for!)
Try It/Learn More: I’m fortunate to have a lot of active friends living close by, but if you’re looking to connect with some fun, like-minded fitness friends, Meetup {see link in no. 3} is also a great way to find workout buddies.
Do you like to workout with friends? Have you ever done a semi-private group training class before?
No. 5 | Take a New Exercise Class
I am a total clutz when it comes to dancing, but I had a blast recently when my daughter and I tried our first Zumba Class together last month at May Q Fit {see link no.4} in Del Mar. Even better, we did it in a parking lot outside, so all the people driving by, walking, or bike riding gave us a motivational shout out. I was so busy trying to learn the movies, that it seemed like our 45 minute class was done in 5. Seriously, so fun!
Try It/Learn More: I haven’t used it before, but Class Pass is on my list to try {I’d love to do a spinning class!} And, SiSi and her friend have done Orange Theory classes together before, which they really enjoy. Check your local listings for different classes~There are so many fun options to try!
What new exercise class have you recently tried, or is there one you’ve been wanting to try???
Let’s Chat!
Do you exercise/work out fairly regularly, or are you a weekend warrior? Do you like to work out first thing in the morning or later in the day? Did you find any good exercise motivation tips here? Any others to add? I love to hear them! And, if you enjoyed this post, please share~thanks so much for your support!
