Does going to the gym currently spark feelings of dread or boredom? Is your fitness experience filled with monotony, always doing the same thing week after week? Do you find it just…well…blah, with no real joy in your daily or weekly gym outings? Well, check out these 5 awesome ways to have more fun at the gym!
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Introverted vs. Extroverted? Go at the right time of day
The first way to have more fun at the gym is to draw joy from your actual surroundings. Do you feel happier at the gym when it’s empty, and you don’t have to fight crowds and can move at your own pace? Or do you feel more energized when it’s full of fellow gym-goers, all revved up? Try going to your gym at different times of the day or evening than usual. This way you can figure out if perhaps there’s a more preferable time to go, allowing you to feel more relaxed or energized. When you set yourself up for a more pleasing experience at the gym, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the time spent there.
I’ve found that my gym attracts more people in the very early morning at 5:30-6 AM, with many folks leaving at 6:30 or 7 AM. Then there’s another rush at 5 PM, but it drops off again later in the evening. Personally, I much prefer an almost empty gym (it just gives me such a thrill!). So I enjoy going closer to 7 AM. 9 PM also works, since most people have gone home by then.
Listen to a good story
It’s common to listen to music while you work out, but how about trying this: listening to an audiobook instead? This can be a wonderfully engaging way to enjoy your exercise time. Choose a book that grabs your attention and let the story carry you away! You may even end up doing more reps simply because you’re focusing less on the movement and more on the book! To make this even more of a treat, reserve the audiobook specifically for your gym time. This will allow you to actually look forward to going!
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Find a fun perk at your gym
Lots of gyms offer more than just workout machines. Does your gym perhaps provide relaxing spa services, like massage or tanning? (There may even be self-service options available, like fitness or hydration pods or luxury massage chairs.) How about a calming sauna, or a luxurious hot tub? Have more fun at the gym by checking out the amenities that may be included or available! Give yourself a reward after your workout with a tranquil soak in the hot tub, or partake in a spa massage after a certain number of gym attendances. If the perks are available to you, why not use them??
Try something besides boring exercise machines or weights
Do you enjoy going for a nice swim, or playing a friendly game of b-ball? Does your gym have a pool or a basketball court? If the answer to both is yes, then take this opportunity to liven up your gym-going routine! Alternate strength training days with a day in the pool or on the court, or feel free to tack it onto the end of your workout session and allow your body to loosen up with some free play. You may even find some pool props like foam noodles, kickboards, or swimming “barbels” to jazz up your swimming and focus on specifically upper body or lower body. Have some fun at the gym pool or hoops and let your body exercise like a kid again!
(And if your gym doesn’t have these sorts of options available, check out your local community center or recreational center! They’ll likely have both!)
Try a new group exercise class
Exercising by yourself or with a workout buddy is all well and good; but participating in a group class can add something new into your routine! And it’s not just cycling or boot camp that’s available – you can find classes of all sorts nowadays. Your gym may offer Zumba, aquatic fitness, barre, additional dance-type classes, yoga, even classes with elements of Tai Chi! Check out the classes available – you might find a new favorite and even make some new friends to enjoy the class with on the regular!
Takeaway
If you’re stuck in a rut or you just find going to the gym to be the most boring part of your day, try spicing it up! Take advantage of relaxing amenities and fun features, check out new classes, listen to a fantastic story, and set yourself up for success by going at the best time of day! Indulge in these steps, and you’ll find yourself having way more fun at the gym!
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Cover image photo credit: IStockPhoto.com/nd3000
