Don't Sweat It: How To Make Exercise Enjoyable
The Dilemma
There are practical and enjoyable ways to exercise for anyone, at any time, and anywhere. With phones containing more information than ever, there is no doubt that people are receiving different kinds of advice coming from many directions. This can encourage someone to start working out, but have you ever pondered if that seed is sown well?
Set intentions for movement are not talked about as often as movement itself. This can quickly turn into burnout and sets the wrong foundation for how effective exercise can be. If one does something that is enjoyable, then results will come with much less frustration. Here are some practical ways to live a more active lifestyle and enjoy the process. Working out does not have to be a commitment. If you strategically implement movement into your life, the sacrifices of exercise such as time, money, energy, and pressure don’t have to be stressed about.
Turning Exercise Into Long-Term Enjoyment
Exercise does not have to be about running as fast as possible or lifting the heaviest weights.
Hypothetically, someone drives to get a coffee every morning. This person decides to change this routine and get their coffee at a shop within ten minutes walking distance. Instead of driving, this person now stretches their legs, gets fresh air and good blood circulation, while still getting a warm coffee. A small change or sacrifice can provide many worthy benefits.
Dancing is a great way to implement fitness into everyday life. A catchy song is playing in the grocery store? Don’t be shy. Got a good grade on a test? Happy dance! This form of movement gives more benefits than one may expect. According to the National library of Medicine, a study done on people aged over 70 years proved that regular dance maintains and even improves cognitive function. Additionally, Harvard claims that dancing reduces the risk of dementia, minimizes stress, and has shown to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Activities with friends are also a great way to find movement in daily life. Activities that can be done with friends like swimming, clubbing, and even going on a picnic will contribute to implementing movement in day-to-day life. These sorts of activities invite the opportunity for throwing a ball around or playing nostalgic recess games. Movement should be done through the means of enjoyment and intuition, not unrealistic standards.
You Reap What You Sow
When one builds something on top of a strong foundation, it is less likely to fall. When people exercise, there is usually an end goal, whether it be anything from weight loss to muscle gain. The source of one’s motivation must be constructive, intentional, and consistent to meet these goals.
One way to be realistic with goals is to shrink them. When focusing on the final goal, the small victories may be forgotten and motivation quickly lost. Having the discipline to give one’s own self grace and knowing that good things take time can make all of the difference.
Another way to tap into a tangible regimen is to have a plan around these goals. It is important to know how your body works and what goals you want to achieve. This can point out potential weaknesses, prevent injury, and graciously help you work towards personal goals.
Annabelle Janke
Student Writer - Spring 2025
