Making Exercise Enjoyable
Many don’t typically think of hitting the gym or going for a walk as being the most fun-filled part of their day. While this is understandable, research has shown that exercise can lead to increased mood and improved mental health. As found by the National Library of Medicine, those who exercise regularly experience a decrease in poor mental health days by an overwhelming amount.
However, it’s important to determine the type of physical activity best suited for you in order to reap these benefits. The type of activity you most enjoy can largely determine your mindset around fitness and your success when it comes to staying consistent with a routine. In fact, not having a good understanding of my preferred type of activity was the biggest hindrance in my own fitness journey. After taking the time to learn more about myself and what type of movement that I enjoy, physical activity turned into less of a chore and more of an enjoyable part of my week.
The best way to find what type of exercise you enjoy the most is to simply just try them out. Though it can take some experimentation, finding your preferred types of exercise doesn’t have to be a long or exhausting process. Here are some of my best tips for discovering what you enjoy:
1. Start Slow
Especially when you are new to exercise, starting your exploration journey with an hour long HIIT workout may not be your best bet (I don’t enjoy these workouts either). Beginning with lower intensity, quick activity can serve as a great starting point and give you a better idea of where you stand. Some ideas of good starting activities could look like a walk outside, following a guided video for stretching, or hopping on the treadmill for a few minutes.
2. Try New Workouts For Minutes at a Time
Trying a new form of exercise for as little as 15 minutes can quickly help you narrow down your interests. Youtube videos can be a great resource for finding quick, beginner friendly workouts. Try one of these videos every week until you can gain a better understanding of what you like and dislike. And if you find yourself hating a workout after 15 minutes, you know its time to move to the next one.
3. Create a Fitness Log
Creating a fitness “log” can help to better visualize what movements you prefer and what you should skip. This can be as simple as a few bullet points in your notes app. Right after completing a new type of workout, write down a few notes about what the activity was and how you felt. You can even give it a rating. This will help paint a better picture of the patterns within your activity.
Incorporating exercise into your busy college schedule may not always feel easy – trust me, I get it – but the benefits are well worth it. Adding physical activity into your day can improve your sleep, boost your mood, enhance your productivity, and elevate your overall quality of life. More than the physical benefits, exercise offers a chance to build discipline, relieve stress, and create a sense of balance within life as a student. By making time for fitness, you’re able to invest in your health and well-being, helping you to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.