One of the biggest obstacles on my personal health journey is moving consistently. Some of this is because I am pretty injury prone due to my hypermobility and general clumsiness. Although, even when I remain injury-free, I struggle with sticking to a routine. It doesn’t help that I’m also very devoted to only one form of exercise—running—which means I often forget there are other ways to be active and healthy.
Despite what I may think, running isn’t the only form of exercise available to me, especially when the weather or an injury prevents me from hitting the pavement. However, running appeals to me because you can do it almost anywhere and I love the solitude. It isn’t for everyone though, and due to my unfortunate ability to constantly roll my ankles, it also isn’t for me most of the time. Besides, loving something isn’t always enough. I can still easily convince myself to stay on the couch, injury or not.
Sneak fitness into your routine.
Taking fitness classes and following videos can be even harder for me sometimes. I’m not the most coordinated individual. Luckily exercise can be whatever you make it to be. It should simply be something you enjoy and can do consistently. Having a variety of activities to choose from can prevent boredom and encourage you to try new things. Ask your inner child what they’d like to do!
Some activities I plan to incorporate into my routine are:
- Rollerblading/skating – Rollerblading was one of my favorite activities as a child. You can do it almost anywhere, with friends or solo!
- Tennis/badminton – I loved playing badminton with my family growing up–so much that I took a class on it in college! Fortunately, there are tennis courts near my home where I can get with friends to play, and both tennis and badminton are great workouts.
- Basketball – As a child, I could spend hours shooting hoops by myself or with friends. My community recently installed basketball courts for the public to use, and I plan to take advantage of the opportunity!
- Hiking – Hiking is a great activity to do solo or with friends. As an added bonus, spending time in nature does wonders for your mental health.
- Bicycling – Riding my bicycle was a big part of my youth, and something I still enjoy. I love feeling the wind in my hair and you can ride almost anywhere, making it a great addition to a fitness routine.
These are just a few options that don’t feel like exercise. Sometimes, I have to trick myself into fitness, and often, that is when I have the most fun.
How much exercise do you need?
When you are a complete beginner like me–I have not stuck with any exercise long enough to be anything else–it’s good to start slow and listen to your body to prevent injury and burnout. The American Heart Association recommends “150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.” That may seem like a lot, but you can easily achieve the recommended amount of exercise by doing three to four 30-45 minute workouts a week. And, you can split that into even smaller chunks, exercising in 10-15 minute bursts of activity, if that better fits your needs.
Exercise doesn’t have to mean doing only traditional workouts and going to the gym. While there is nothing wrong with more traditional exercise, some of us need other options to keep us on track. Finding ways to have fun with whatever form of exercise you choose helps build a consistent fitness routine.
Will Run for Cake is designed for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.