Fun-damentals
Basically, by making something fun, you make yourself more likely to keep doing it! Dr Happy backs the science in applying this theory to working out: “People are far more likely to engage in behaviours, and to keep engaging in them if they find these behaviours fun and pleasurable,” he explains, “If you can make your SuperLife program fun and pleasurable and satisfying and enjoyable, you’ll be more likely to keep it up. And if you’re more likely to keep it up you’ll also be more likely to achieve success.”
Sounds pretty simple. So how do we make sweating it out super fun? Here are some ideas:
- Make a playlist of your fave old school jams and rock out like is the summer of ’69 in your lounge room!
- Google some giggle-worthy exercise routines. It’s impossible to take yourself seriously when jazzercising along to a Judi Sheppard Missett workout video. You’ll get an ab workout before you even participate in the exercises!
- Don’t be afraid to dance like no one is watching when nobody is! Shake your booty while doing the dishes or vacuuming.
- Work out with a friend; get those steps in while satisfying your inner social butterfly and laughing your way to a six pack!
- Take a class at the gym; Zumba, dance, aquarobics, etc. Following along with moves to music takes your mind off the work you’re doing (and being part of a class will make you complete your whole workout rather than telling yourself you’ve done enough when you’re on your 13th minute of the elliptical…)
- Do a non-structured physical activity that you enjoy such as gardening, swimming at the beach, paddle boarding or bushwalking.
- Download a hilarious podcast and go for a walk around the neighbourhood. You won’t want to finish until you hear all the punchlines so it will keep you moving longer.
If you do get bored of a particular workout, rejuvenate it by applying Dr Happy’s key questions:
- How can I make it fun?
- Would music help? If not, what would?
- Would I enjoy it more if I was doing it with a buddy; a friend; or a supportive colleague?
- How can I use my strengths to make it more desirable?
Put The U in FUN!
Exercising really can be fun; we wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t! You just have to find your groove and make working out work for you. Everybody’s different, so find a type of movement that you enjoy and realise the power of fun!