5 Ways to Make Exercise Fun

Staying fit doesn’t mean you have to pump iron or run a marathon. Getting in shape and maintaining a healthy body is really about being active – so whether you’re working in the yard or playing in the yard, you’re doing your body good.

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And since most of us would agree that playing is a lot more fun, here are some more ways you can play each day and look and feel your best:

1. Watch more TV. You may be surprised how much of a workout you can get while holding a remote in your hand!
2. Laugh out loud. O.K., this one may seem like a stretch, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. The International Journal of Obesity published research last year that shows laughter can increase your heart rate and calorie expenditure by up to 20%. Scientists calculated that just 15 minutes of laughter a day can burn up to 40 calories! Laughter also has a positive effect on mood and this can help alleviate stress, a known contributor to weight gain.
3. Take it outside. Being outdoors when the weather is beautiful is naturally uplifting. Try biking, rollerblading, or just going for a brisk walk. Take advantage of snowy weather and sled, ice skate, or have a snowball fight. When you do activities outdoors, you’ll have more fun and be inspired to do them more often.
4. Be more social. Doing activities in groups adds a social element to exercise that makes it more enjoyable. There are many different types of activity-themed social groups – rock climbing, hiking, bowling, and golf are just a few – and each one brings people together who love doing the same activities as you.
5. Get into the groove. Dancing is one of the best ways to burn calories without feeling like you’re working at it. If you don’t want to go to a nightclub, there are dance studios that offer evening or weekend lessons, and even some latin restaurants now have dance nights where patrons can learn how to salsa and rumba. Prefer to stay at home? Try a dance-themed workout DVD instead. You’ll get a great workout, plus you get to pick the style of music that really moves you.