Fun & Fitness: An Oxymoron?

Last week I overheard a conversation between two women taking a fitness class together about a point of view I have heard before. It went something like this: "You know, they're playing fun music, I'm here with a friend and it's not that it's too hard, but I just don't enjoy working out!" Sadly, there are many people who really struggle to get into a groove with exercise. A wide variety of factors can come into play to cast a negative cloud over attempts to get fit.

For some, it may be over-commitment and setting unrealistic expectations on themselves.  Others may be caught up in comparing themselves with other people's performance. For women in particular, motivation to exercise is often too tied to weight loss and they come to view exercise as a form of punishment.  

There are countless other theories I could suggest, but the "specific" reason doesn't really matter. The point is that many people hate to work out because they begin doing it for the wrong reasons and then focus on the wrong things once they get started. Both lead to frustration and often end with people throwing in the towel and quitting.  

Pause for a moment and think back to elementary school (I know... that's harder for some of us than for others.). Do you remember how good it felt to run around at recess with your friends on a warm spring day? How about jumping double dutch on the black top or getting the swing as high as you could so you felt like you were flying? As the temperatures rise over the next few weeks, take a look at your children or those in your neighborhood. See the smiles, laughter and rosey cheeks?  The exercise they are getting is just as "real" and beneficial as going to a spin class or running a few miles.  

What changes between youth and adulthood to cause that loss of enjoyment? Was the "fun" replaced by those unattainable expectations and pressure the we put on ourselves?

How about you get your body moving just for the sake of fun? Do you think the combination of fun and fitness is unattainable?

Here are a few simple suggestions to help you start having some fun while making fitness a part of your lifestyle:

Try something new:

It's about finding what you really enjoy and what gets you going, says Kristen Dieffenbach, Ph.D., an assistant professor of athletic coaching education at West Virginia University. "Try as many classes, running paths, and exercise machines as you can. Somewhere between swimming and spinning, you will click with an activity or two."  So many people have said to me over the years: "I don't like running!" Well, then don't run! You are far more likely to keep up with a fitness routine if you enjoy the activities you are participating in. Today, more than ever before, there is an incredible array of options for you to consider. Keep trying new ones until you find those you enjoy most.

Don't overthink it:

Don't focus on how long you are exercising, how many miles you run, how much weight you lift, etc. Be in the moment and just do it for as long as, or as much as you want to at that moment in time.  

Separate your weight loss goals from your fitness goals:

If you are overly fixated on burning off calories as your motivation for exercising, you are likely to get frustrated and quit if you don't achieve the weight loss you are expecting or hoping for.  Instead, make the drive more about feeling good, relieving stress or a similar non-weight focused purpose - like having fun! 

Embrace your inner child! Skip, jump, swing, ride, skate, or just step into fitness with the goal of having a little fun!