Does exercise have to be boring or painful? No! Here are 7 helpful tips for making your physical activities fun.

Tip #1: Find a workout buddy. Sharing your fitness goals with someone else can be a great source of motivation. You can rely on each other for support and encouragement. A workout buddy can also make time go by more quickly when you are doing an activity.

Tip #2: Don’t get discouraged. Positive physical changes from exercise do not become noticeable right away. Everyone’s body reacts to exercise differently. It can take weeks or months before you see changes. Don’t get discouraged. Any moderate activity has many benefits to your health, even if you can’t see it right away. In time, you will reach your fitness goals if you keep following your fitness program.

Tip #3: Don’t give up. You will always have barriers and challenges when starting something new. Realize that everyone becomes busy or loses motivation from time to time. Simply make changes as needed. And remember that taking a break from your routine every now and then is OK, as long as you continue to lead an active life.

Tip #4: Exercise during a comfortable time of day. Don't work out too soon after eating or when it's too hot or cold outside. If you're too stiff in the morning, schedule your workout for later in the day. Exercising in the evening is OK, as long as you finish at least 2 to 3 hours before going to sleep

Tip #5: Forget “no pain, no gain.” While a little soreness is normal when you first start exercising, pain isn’t. Stop exercising if you hurt. Call your doctor if you experience nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, or any type of pain, pressure, or cramping.

Tip #6: Choose fun activities. The activities you choose to do don’t have to take place in a gym or fitness club. They can include playing sports, doing household chores, or playing with your children or grandchildren. Read a book, listen to music, or watch television while riding a stationary bike. Walk at the zoo or a park. Go dancing. Or learn how to play tennis. Be sure the activities you choose meet your physical needs too. For example, if you have arthritis, you may find that you enjoy swimming more than running.

Tip #7: Change your routine. Changing your routine from week to week can help keep your program fun and interesting. It can also help your body stay challenged by working different muscles. Try a new activity each week. Or rotate a few exercises to keep boredom away. Switching between exercises and types of activity may also lower your risk of injury. Walk one day and bicycle the next. Even household chores such as shoveling snow, gardening, or cleaning are good workouts.

This information is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any self-care program.

If you wanna know more about what exercise could benefit you specifically or need help getting out of pain so you can exercise again, give Tanner Christensen Chiropractic a Call Today!