8 Tricks to Make Working Out More Effective and Enjoyable
Written by Cora Gold
Consistent exercise is vital for your physical and mental well-being. However, some people have a love-hate relationship with it. One day, you’re crushing it at the gym. The next day, the idea of working out feels boring. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Discover eight strategies to make your workouts more effective and fun.
Drink Coffee Before You Exercise
A pre-sweat coffee can make your exercise feel more enjoyable and easier, making you likely to push harder. According to exercise science and nutrition expert Shawn Talbott, M.S., Ph.D, coffee can boost your physical and mental energy levels. The polyphenol content provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, which are essential for performance and post-exercise recovery. Drink it 30 minutes before your workout to give the caffeine a chance to get into your system.
Join a Class
Doing the same workout every day can quickly become stale and repetitive. Join a class to shake up your routine. It makes you accountable — you sign up, and therefore you show up. You can meet like-minded people and get expert tips from instructors to improve your performance.
Look around your local area for a class that matches your current fitness level. Consider signing up for online home workout classes if you have a busy schedule juggling multiple responsibilities.
Listen to Music
Sometimes, high-energy songs will help you reach another level. Research shows that listening to music before and during exercise can inspire your motivation and effort, leading to favorable performance outcomes. Plus, it’s a distraction from the negative thoughts you might have while working out. Consider playing upbeat songs when beating your personal best at a run or your favorite tunes to improve focus while lifting heavy weights.
Compete With Others…
Increasing workout intensity will build your strength. If you want to break through a plateau, look into programs that encourage friendly competition. For instance, the app Zwift lets you race against others virtually using your treadmill or bike. Play tennis at a nearby court with your neighbor or try fitness video games with your friends.
…Or Consider Teaming Up
Collaborating with others toward a common goal can also make workouts more fun and effective. Invite a family member or a close friend to come to the gym with you and be your accountability partner. You can keep each other on track with your fitness goals and progress. If you want to meet new friends, consider joining a running club to receive coaching and motivation from fellow runners.
Move for a Cause
Did you know there are ways to help your community by working out? Many organizations launch charity or fundraising events in the form of fun runs, fitness classes and challenges. Such activities give you a reason to exercise more, which is a motivational factor. Knowing that your efforts are helping others adds a layer of satisfaction regular workouts often lack.
Try New Activities
Even if you love yoga or weightlifting, stay open-minded about trying other things. Adding variety to your routine can spice up your fitness routine, making it more well-rounded.
For instance, if you love running on the treadmill, try doing it outside. Getting in nature lets you enjoy the sunlight, fresh air and beautiful scenery. When it’s hot, wear SPF and moisture-wicking clothing to regulate your body temperature, enabling you to stay focused and comfortable.
Use Positive Affirmations
If you’re struggling to get off the couch and lace up your shoes, try to reprogram your mind with encouragement. Affirmations reshape your internal narrative, transforming your negative thoughts into positive ones. These statements may be hard to believe in the beginning, but they can manifest success and confidence.
Say these affirmations in front of the mirror before working out:
“I am taking care of my well-being.”
“I choose to do kind things for myself.”
“I am beautiful.”
“I trust in my abilities and strengths.”
“My body is strong, healthy and full of energy.”
Stay Fit and Happy
Building a sustainable workout routine requires consistency. Fortunately, you now have the tools to turn your fitness routine into something you look forward to, instead of a chore you dread. Implement these tricks, fine-tune them based on your needs and find what resonates with you.