4 Ways to Actually Enjoy Working Out, According to Experts

Non-Traditional Workouts That Will Get You Excited About Fitness

Have you ever dreaded going to the gym because you can’t stand the thought of running on the treadmill? Or have you ever skipped your workout because you didn’t want to do the same boring things again and again? If you answered “yes,” then don’t worry. You’re not alone. It’s a common problem that people of every fitness level struggle with.

Boredom and monotony are two of the biggest culprits of fitness motivation burnout.

Boredom and monotony are two of the biggest culprits of fitness motivation burnout.  If you’re dreading a boring workout, you’re more likely to come up with excuses to stay home. But on the other hand, when you are excited and pumped to go do a workout, you’re less likely to skip it.

How do you break out of the humdrum in your workout routine?

As a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, I come across this problem regularly.  The minute I feel myself, or my clients, start to lack motivation or excitement to exercise or work out, it’s time to brainstorm ways to mix things up. That means it is time for some nontraditional workouts!

Changing your workout routine can feel close to impossible. You’ve gotten into a routine; you have the fitness equipment that you need for what you’ve been doing, And there is a learning curve whenever you are starting something new. I’ve found various workouts that will motivate and excite you, while also keeping your anxiety down. These are tried and true workouts that will help you reach your fitness goals while staying motivated!

Break Out of Boredom with These NonTraditional Workouts

1. Playground Workout

Is there anything more fun than a playground? Playgrounds and parks are meant for enjoyment. Shouldn’t exercising be enjoyable, too? If your local playground has the following equipment, then you’re ready to go have some fitness fun!

Bench

• Push-Ups: You can either do pushups with your hands placed on the edge of the bench and your feet on the ground or you can do them the opposite way (hands on the ground and feet on the bench)!
• Tricep Dips: Place your palms on the bench and lower your body to the ground. Then raise yourself back up.

Swing

• Swing Knee Tucks: You will be in the plank position with both feet positioned in the swing seat. Bend your knees and tuck them to your chest, bringing the swing with you.
• Swing Split Squat: With your back to the swing, place one foot in the swing seat. Lower your body like you are doing a squat.

Monkey Bars / Bar

• Pullups: Hold on to the bar with both hands and try to pull yourself up!
• Hanging Leg Raises: With both hands on the bar, hang straight and bring your knees to your chest. To make it harder, keep your legs straight and lift your legs to a 90-degree angle.

Fireman Pole

• Climbing: Try to climb to the top!

2. Jump Rope Workout

Jump roping is one of those nontraditional workouts that is a great way to get a high-intensity cardio workout in a short period of time. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is a very effective training method in the fitness industry. HIIT is a type of interval training where you alternate very high intensity with low intensity. Jump rope for a period of time (high intensity), then takes a break (low intensity). There are several variations you can do in your jump rope workout.

3. Kickboxing Workout

Kickboxing workouts make you feel like a fitness warrior. Kickboxing exercises engage almost every muscle in your body so, you can get a full-body workout (including cardio)! Workouts can be done at a gym or at home. It is slightly more enjoyable when you have a punching bag; there’s something about getting to hit something like you’re mad at it!

Quick Jabs: These are quick, swift front punches.

• Quick Jabs: These are quick, swift front punches.
• Hooks: Imagine you are turning the steering wheel of a car with your preferred hand. Throw the punch in a horizontal arch!
• Cross Punches: Punch across your body, engaging the obliques.
• Uppercuts: With your elbow staying tight to your body, punch in an upward direction (from your side towards your head).
• Front Kicks: Kick to the front and can be at any height.
• Side Kicks: kick to the side; this will engage the side of your glutes and thighs!

You can add more difficulty to these moves by adding elements, like a sit-up or a squat, to the beginning of them.

4. Workout Classes

There are so many workout classes at different types of gyms that you are bound to find something that piques your interest. Fitness classes are an excellent way to break your workout cycle. If you want to find what workout classes are near you, you can search for workout classes along with your zip code on your search engine. You can also see what classes are offered at your local gyms!

• Cycling
• Step Class
• Boot Camp
• Zumba
• Pilates
• Yoga

When you’re trying a new or nontraditional workout or a new exercise, make sure you do so safely! You don’t want to injure yourself. If you are unsure of any move, ask or do some more research. Your safety is the top priority but also have some fun.