What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘exercise’? If you picture workout clothes and sweating it out at the gym, you’re not alone. But what if the gym makes you cringe? If your goal is to get fit and feel healthier, the good news is there are far more ways to move your body than just lifting weights on a gym floor. The key is finding the type of workout that suits you.
Be in it to win it
Before you start trying different workouts, take a moment to think about why you want to get healthier. When motivation dips, having your goals written down can really help.
Get specific: if you want to lose weight, how much? If your goals aren’t about the scale—like fitting into a favorite outfit or finishing a race—write those down too.
Also ask yourself why these goals matter. Are you trying to set a healthy example for your kids? Improve your overall health? Feel better in your clothes—or out of them? Check in with your goals often so they stay fresh in your mind.
Find what you love—and do more of it
The best way to make exercise stick is to pick something you enjoy. For some people, the gym feels empowering; for others, a different setting works better. To narrow down what to try first, think about:
Do you prefer indoor workouts or being outside?
Would you rather exercise alone or in a group?
Do you want high-intensity training or something gentler?
With those answers, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Steps to success
Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that suits most fitness levels. It boosts heart and lung health and strengthens your legs. The best part? You can walk almost anywhere—on a treadmill, through a park, around your neighborhood, or through a shopping center.
Put on comfortable shoes and change the pace by walking faster, adding hills, or covering flat ground. Walking is also great for mindfulness, or you can listen to music or a podcast. Walk with friends for extra motivation.
If walking feels easy and you want a bigger challenge, try running to build more cardiovascular fitness. If you like competition, consider signing up for a race—many people run or walk for charity, which adds extra motivation.
Dive into water-based fitness
Water-based workouts are another gentle option for many people. Swimming gives you resistance while protecting your joints.
Try an aqua aerobics class, book hydrotherapy sessions with a trainer, or swim laps on your own. If you prefer the ocean, surfing offers a full-body workout and burns a lot of calories.
Be a team player
There are endless options for team sports and group activities.
Play full-contact games like football or rugby, or try calm, focused classes like tai chi. Lawn bowls might seem like a senior sport, but it can help you get steps in while improving focus and precision.
Dragon boat racing, similar to canoeing, tones the upper body and builds team spirit. Or grab some gear, gather friends, and have a friendly match at your local park.
Think outside the box
Exercise can come from surprising places. Horse riding builds endurance, core, and leg strength. Rock climbing works your whole body. Hiking and mountain climbing give you fresh air while boosting cardiovascular fitness. Love gardening? Use a watering can instead of a hose to add weight and extra steps. Even energetic housework can be a solid workout.
No matter where you begin, choose activities that bring you joy and fit your routine. Once you find something you love, workouts start to feel like something to look forward to.
Author’s bio
Kate Gunn has over a decade of fitness experience, from home workouts to mindfulness tips. When she’s not writing about exercise, Kate enjoys bad rom-coms and browsing social media.