How to Make Your Workout Less Work
The most active state in the United States is Colorado, where 33% of adults move their bodies on a regular basis.
As residents of one of the healthiest states in the nation, many Coloradans have one thing in common: they think of physical activity as something they get to do rather than something they have to do. Now, does that mean there’s a magic button that makes you suddenly love jogging? We wish! But when you pick activities you truly enjoy, chances are very good that you will love moving your body and want to do it more and more.
Have you ever noticed that recess is the highlight of nearly every child’s day? It’s because they get to move! Our bodies love to be in motion, because that’s what they are designed to do. From a young age, moving releases endorphins and boosts serotonin, both of which make you feel great.
If you’re looking for ways to move more, think about what you loved to do when you were younger, or ask yourself what you’ve always been curious to try but never did. Finding an activity you actually enjoy doing makes it much more likely that you’ll want to do it on the regular, because it becomes something you really look forward to.
Getting out there and trying different things will help you zero in on what it is you like to do. You could try:
walking outside versus walking on a treadmill
taking a class at a local fitness studio or following a video on YouTube
playing different sports with friends or in a local league
comparing tai chi to kickboxing
swimming laps or water aerobics
comparing yoga to pilates
trying out different dance classes at the local rec center
Or ask a couple of friends how they love to move their bodies—it’s amazing how many new ideas you can get just by asking around! Even if you’re already moving in a way that brings you joy, it’s worth trying out some new activities: Mixing it up keeps your body on its toes―and keeps you from getting bored.
This week, we’re challenging you to set aside just 30 minutes to try out a new activity. What will yours be?