Working out is one of those things where you either love it or hate it. Yes, we all know about the benefits of working out regularly, but it can be hard to get up off our sofas and pick up that pair of dumbbells if we dread and loathe breaking a sweat and getting tired. Well, we're here to help! Whether your goal is to lose weight, increase your stamina, or simply get moving, here are our top tips on how to make your workout more fun and meet your health goals
1. Get the right gear
Working out is one more excuse to go shopping! While we do advocate not going overboard especially if you're just starting out, it is essential to get some basic gear to make your workout more comfortable. The right clothing can ease your movements, support your body, and keep you cool throughout your activity. It can also reduce your chances of sustaining injuries and protect your body from stress and impact-related pains. A pair of supportive shoes, lightweight workout clothes, and comfortable sports hijabs are top of our list!
2. Rally your friends
The more the merrier! It's hard to be motivated when you're all alone, and it's so easy to give up when there's no one to keep you accountable. Having friends join you in your workout not only means you're more likely to keep to your workout schedule (because who likes a flake?), but it also gives you a partner to help push you to keep going and to support you in workouts that require assistance such as being your spotter. Having a friend to encourage and cheer you on can keep you going for longer than you expect!
3. Pump up the volume
Get your favorite tracks and put on those earphones! Working out to music not only distracts you from your fatigue, but it can also make you go further. Every time you feel like quitting, tell yourself you'll work out just til the next song! Exercising to a beat can help you maintain pace and rhythm, while the typical song structure is a great way to help keep time of your breathing or reps. There are hundreds of playlists available online that you can simply tune in to, or you can create your own playlist of favourite tailor-picked tunes that make you want to get moving. If music isn't your thing, try listening to podcasts that interest you instead.
4. Track your progress
There are a million and one fitness tracking apps available out there. Whether you're an Android or iPhone user, simply search 'Fitness tracker' in the app store and choose one which fits your needs. You can go for the basics which simply track your speed and progress, or try something a bit more fun! One of our favourites is "Zombies, Run!" which makes your runs into a survival game. If you're more into stats and data, Strava is one of the apps favoured by professional athletes looking to improve on their personal bests in every workout. You can also up your game by using a fitness tracking watch that links to your phone.
5. Change it up
If you have a treadmill at home which has become your official towel hanger, or a gym membership which you only keep in an attempt to stop feeling guilty - then we suggest getting out of your norm and get a chage of air. It's too easy to get bored running while looking at the same wall. Change it up by visiting your local parks. Make it a challenge to list down all the parks near you and try one every week. Alternatively, if you're bored of working out outside, why not try changing it up by mixing in different activities? Instead of swimming twice a week, why not try running/zumba/cycling once a week too?
What are your fav tips, kitties?