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13 interesting ways to make exercise more fun and enjoyable

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1 year ago

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13 interesting ways to make exercise more fun and enjoyable

Working out can be boring for some. But exercising can offer health bene6, including weight management. So, learn how to make exercise more fun.

Regardless of how fond you are of working out, the same old routine can get flat-out boring. Getting to the gym regularly must be something important, but after a while it can become tiresome and monotonous. But before you find another excuse to not work out, you should know there are ways to make exercise fun. And now that winter is in full swing, many will find an excuse to skip working out. If you also come up with excuses to give working out a miss, you need to stop thinking of it as a boring task or one of the household chores. The good news is there are ways to make exercise more fun and we are here to help you figure it all out.

What are the health benefits of exercising?

Before exploring the ways to make exercise more fun, know that there are some health benefits of exercising, including:

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  • Aids in weight management: “Regular physical activity helps increase calorie burning and improve metabolism,” says fitness and nutrition expert Aman Puri. Exercising improves the body’s metabolic rate, which helps improve body composition by promoting fat burning. This helps shed those extra kilos and manage weight.
  • Protects against chronic diseases: Regular exercise like running, and jogging helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Exercising contributes to prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and can improve overall well-being, according to the World Health Organization. “Exercise improves blood circulation, manages blood pressure and enhances aerobic capacity. This protects from diseases such as heart diseases, blood pressure, and diabetes, and improves immunity,” shares the expert.
  • Boosts mood and mental health: Exercise improves mood and wards off feelings of depression, and anxiety. Exercising can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance brain health, as per the World Health Organization. “Daily exercise improves the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good hormones, promoting relaxation,” says Puri.
  • Improves flexibility: Exercise improves flexibility by increasing joint and muscle movements. “Stretching, Yoga, Pilates and other dynamic movements help enhance joint mobility and muscle elasticity,” says the expert.
  • May increase life expectancy: Exercise may increase life expectancy by improving cardiac health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, and enhancing mental and overall well-being. During a 2012 analysis published in the Journal Of Aging Research, researchers found that life expectancy was higher in physically active participants. It ranged from 0.43 to 6.9 extra years.
Working out has benefits. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

What are the ways to make exercise more fun?

Here are some ways to make exercise more fun, and not boring:

1. Give importance to personality and interests

One of the ways to make exercise more fun is to do something that goes along with your personality and interests. If you are a social person, join a group dance class or start a walking group with your friends, according to the American Heart Association.

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2. Take someone along

Working out alone can sometimes be boring. One of the ways to make exercise more fun is to take a companion along. Exercising with your loved ones can make it a more enjoyable social experience. Take friends or family members with you for a workout to make it more fun. “A friendly competition during a workout session also brings out your best performance and makes working out less mundane and more interesting,” says the expert.

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3. Turn on music

Sometimes repeatedly exercising can be boring for some, so distracting yourself with some music may help you workout longer. A 2017 study published in the International Journal Of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology showed that people exercised longer when they listened to music than without. “Playing your favourite playlist while working out also elevates mood,” says Puri.

4. Turn exercise into a game

Bored with lifting weights and running in the park on the treadmill? Team up with your friends for a session of cricket or football match, and turn your exercise routine into a game. This is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. “This may increase your competitive spirit along with burning calories and boosting your health,” says the expert.

5. Reward yourself

Rewarding yourself with your favourite treat after achieving each sub-goal can be one of the ways to make exercise more fun. It is a way of raising the target standards in a fun way. Set a target for yourself by increasing the reps or sets or even weight amount. But don’t go overboard with your favourite treat.

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6. Make exercise a social activity

Attending parties or going to concerts are not the only social activities. Add exercise to the list, as it is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. You can take a walk during lunch-time with your colleagues. You can also use family gatherings as a time to engage in outdoor activities or play team sports, according to the US National Institute On Aging.

7. Connect with nature

Connecting with nature is one of the best ways to make exercise more fun. “Exercising outdoors and getting some fresh air can lower stress levels naturally,” says the expert. Hiking can add adventure to your daily routine in a fun way because of the enjoyable view. Those who don’t like working indoors in a gym can exercise outdoors by going on a walk or a long cycling session. “The added benefit of working out outdoors is you get to soak up the sun, which improves Vitamin D levels in the body,” says the expert.

8. Do it for a good cause

Give your exercise a purpose – walk or run to support a noble cause or charity events such as walkathons and marathons. This gives your routine exercise purpose as well as motivation. Participating in these events can be a motivating factor for others apart from being one of the ways to make exercise more fun for yourself.

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9. Play with different intensities

Despite your regular routines being beneficial, sometimes experimenting with different intensities of exercise may also prove beneficial. HIIT (High-intensity interval training) can add more fun to your regular exercise besides being a convenient and fast way to achieve your fitness goals.

10. Connect with technology

Using fitness bands, trackers or watches can fuel up the fun, raising the competitive spirit or interest by tracking your fitness levels. Tracking your steps, amount of calories burnt, progress, and heart rate can keep you engaged by tracking your health status, making it one of the ways to make exercise more fun.

A woman making exercise fun
Shop for new clothes to make exercise more fun. Image courtesy: Freepik

11. Treat yourself to new clothing

One of the ways to make exercise more fun is by getting hands on new clothes for workout. Buying activewear for your workout can make you feel good and boost your confidence, motivating you to workout more often. A 2023 study published in Body Image showed that activewear browse time correlated positively with desires to be muscular and athletic.

12. Try virtual options

Going for virtual options is one of the ways to make exercise more fun. If you don’t like working out with a large set of people at the gym, try exercising through apps or virtual online classes and start working out from home. “Watching exercise videos while working out at home is a convenient and easy way to stay motivated,” says the expert.

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13. Try different activities while working

Those who do not have time to exercise can engage in activities in their day-to-day work routines like cycling to work, climbing stairs instead of using lifts, parking far away and walking down to the parking area, or using a standing desk at work. Those at home can engage in daily household chores like mopping, cleaning, gardening, and washing their car to burn some extra calories.

Working out does more than just help you manage weight. If you dislike your fitness routine, experiment and try out different ways to make exercise more fun.

Related FAQs

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How can I enjoy working out alone?

If you prefer working out in a gym, go alone when it’s quiet, but ask for help whenever you need it. Listen to music of your choice while working out alone. At home, you can check out online workouts and follow the instructions.

How to motivate an elderly person to exercise?

Encouragement, and companionship can help elderly family members stay active. You can join them for a morning or evening walk, or buy them fitness gear. You can ask their friends to exercise together.

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Fitness

What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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10 hours ago

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February 26, 2026

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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At 66, Judy Murray swapped skipping for rebounding – here’s why it’s so effective for midlife women

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22 hours ago

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February 26, 2026

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At 66, Judy Murray swapped skipping for rebounding – here’s why it’s so effective for midlife women

A household name synonymous with tennis, Judy Murray has branched out in recent years when it comes to fitness. While the coach and former player still frequents the court – it’s integral to her day job, after all – she has incorporated several other activities into her routine, including one you might be unfamiliar with: rebounding.

Rebounding

In an interview with The Times, Judy explained that while skipping had been part of her tennis routine for years, she’d decided to replace it with rebounding – jumping on a trampoline – due to the impact skipping started to have on her joints and legs. And she’s onto something – a NASA study found rebounding to be up to 68% more effective at working the muscles and joints than treadmill running – something scientists call mechanical loading, which is crucial for bone, muscle and tendon health.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Judy told The Times that she had bought a mini trampoline for £24.99 and that she used it in one-minute bursts.

‘Rebounding can be a smart swap for women in midlife, particularly if high-impact skipping or plyometric training has started to feel unforgiving on the joints,’ says personal trainer Michael Baah. ‘As oestrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause, we typically see reductions in bone mineral density, muscle mass and tendon elasticity,’ he explains. ‘High-impact ground reaction forces from traditional skipping can be effective for bone health, but they also place substantial load through the knees, hips and Achilles.’ Rebounding, on the other hand, ‘absorbs some of the ground reaction force, reducing peak stress through the joints, while still stimulating muscle activation in the calves, glutes and core.’

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It shouldn’t replace strength training, adds Baah, which ‘remains the most effective intervention for combatting age-related sarcopenia and maintaining metabolic health,’ but it’s an incredibly valuable conditioning tool ‘for women who want to protect their joints while maintaining cardiovascular fitness.’

Below, we also look at the other workouts Judy has turned to in recent years to stay strong and active while protecting her joints – and why you should try them, too.

She swims

‘As I get older I have found a lot of things I enjoyed doing really impact my knees and hips, but a lot of things I can do in water…I also realise I have five grandchildren now. I want to be able to run after them and pick them up and put them down with relative ease,’ Judy told The Times. ‘I have a whole routine I do in the swimming pool and there is no impact in the water. It is a better way to do some of the things I used to do.’

Indeed, not only does swimming protect your joints, but it’s also effective for cardio fitness. ‘The biggest advantage of swimming is that it is low impact. The buoyancy of water significantly reduces joint loading, making it an excellent option for people with joint pain or who have a lower tolerance to impact,’ personal trainer and nutritionist Georgia Garlick previously told WH. ‘It is a true full-body exercise, involving the upper body, trunk, hips and legs simultaneously.’ On average, she added that moderate swimming burns 500-700 kcal per hour – typically more than moderate cycling.

She has started playing golf

Judy has also discussed how participating in Strictly Come Dancing back in 2014 instilled in her a desire to continue challenging herself and trying new things – no matter her age. In that vein, ahead of her 65th birthday, she told HELLO!, that she had taken up golf. ‘I’m addicted to it, it is so incredibly relaxing,’ she said. ‘It gets me out in the fresh air and away from my phone and because it’s not as physically demanding as running around a tennis court, it suits me now that my arms aren’t as strong as they once were.

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‘As we get older it’s so important to keep trying to find things that stimulate you, make you think and keep you socially connected – and golf ticks all of those boxes.’

A review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine linked golf to an increased life expectancy, reduced risk of chronic disease and improved mental health.

She plays pickleball

While padel has become hugely popular, it seems that its sibling pickleball – which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis – is more up Judy’s street. After trying the sport herself, she’s since campaigned to get more people involved. ‘It’s just fun and engaging, and it’s incredibly inclusive. And for Scotland, it’s a perfect fit for us. We have terrible weather, we have badminton courts everywhere – in every community centre and sports centre. Even church halls have badminton courts,’ she told The National. ‘In terms of setting up quickly, wherever you are, I think it’s a perfect fit for getting more people more active.’

Judy added that she sees it as a perfect transition from tennis to something that will let her play a similar game for longer.

She stretches regularly

The final touch to Judy’s fitness routine? A dedicated stretching routine. ‘Since I turned 60, I’ve realised how important it is to stretch to stay mobile and flexible if I want to stay active with my grandchildren,’ she told HELLO!.

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While we don’t know the specifics of Judy’s stretching routine, even dedicating just a few minutes daily to mobility can supercharge longevity.

There is an ideal routine based on science, though. According to a panel of experts convened by the American College of Sports Medicine, who reviewed a range of studies, you should:

  • Do flexibility exercises (stretches, yoga or tai chi) for all major muscle-tendon groups – neck, shoulders, chest, trunk, lower back, hips, legs and ankles – minimum two to three times per week.
  • Spend 60 seconds on each exercise. If you can hold a specific stretch for 15 seconds, try repeating it three more times and if you can hold it for 20 seconds, two more repetitions would be ideal.

As Judy regularly says, though, it’s about finding forms of exercise that you enjoy, as you’ll be far more likely to find the time – even if it’s for five minutes – to get stuck in.

Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis.  She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity.  A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.

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9 subtle signs you’re struggling with exercise dependency – and what to do about it

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1 day ago

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February 25, 2026

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9 subtle signs you’re struggling with exercise dependency – and what to do about it

In an era where ultramarathons, double training days and weekly Hyroxes have become the norm, the signs of exercise dependency are increasingly blurred. Movement is celebrated as medicine, after all – so how do you know when it’s become something more sinister?

At its core, exercise dependency is a pattern of compulsive exercise where working out stops being a flexible, health-enhancing habit and becomes something you feel driven to do – even when it’s harming your body, mood or life. But since it’s widely seen as a “healthy” habit, the signs are often missed.

In reality, depending on exercise (often to avoid painful or difficult emotions) carries significant physical and psychological consequences – and research shows that among people who regularly exercise, 14-42% of them suffer. Below, dietitian and expert in REDS Renee McGregor shares the signs to watch for, then scroll down for advice on how to restore a healthier relationship with exercise.

Signs of exercise dependency

  1. Using exercise to manage emotions: Relying on exercise to fix negative moods or feelings of worthlessness.
  2. Never feeling you’re doing “enough”: Feeling that no matter how much you train, it’s not sufficient.
  3. Hidden workouts: Hiding the amount of exercise done from others.
  4. Distorted priorities: Inflexible, obsessive, and compulsive thinking regarding fitness goals.
  5. Ignoring pain or injury: Continuing to train despite illness, exhaustion or injury.
  6. Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling anxious, depressed, irritable or restless if a session is missed.
  7. Compulsive scheduling: Structuring the entire day around workouts and feeling intense anxiety if the schedule is disrupted.
  8. Increasing intensity/volume: Needing more exercise to achieve the same high or emotional satisfaction.
  9. Prioritising exercise: Skipping work, school, social events or family obligations to exercise.

How to recover

1.Identify compulsive patterns

Studies show exercise dependence shares features with other addictive behaviours, like tolerance, withdrawal and compulsive use. And McGregor says around 60% of people with exercise dependency also show behaviours linked to a dysfunctional relationship with food. Aim to identify what makes you want to exercise: is it a desire to control your weight? Or to avoid guilt or anxiety? How do you feel when you’re not able to exercise?

2. Reduce wearable tech tracking

Constantly tracking your steps, workout data and fitness scores can inadvertently increase anxiety, guilt and comparison around metrics and goals, potentially reinforcing obsessive exercise behaviour – instead of healthy motivation. Indeed, studies show wearables can exacerbate harmful compulsive exercise behaviour and should be used with caution in people prone to dependence.

3. Find a non-body-based hobby

Language learning, pottery, chess, or volunteering can all help to reduce stress, build identity outside exercise and improve well‑being by activating new reward pathways and providing a sense of purpose. Research on these types of leisure activities shows that engaging in hobbies is linked to better mental health, reduced depression and anxiety and is also protective in recovery from addictive behaviour.

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4. Seek professional psychological support

Other research shows various types of therapy can help explore motivations and past experiences that contribute to compulsive exercise, as well as helping to rebuild social functioning outside of exercise routines.

5. Broaden your coping strategies beyond exercise

Multiple studies show that exercise often serves as an emotional coping strategy for stress, anxiety or low mood – not just physical health. Experts say recognising and addressing this in therapy can help you to broaden your emotional toolbox beyond exercise – for example, studies show walking outdoors (without tracking your pace or steps) can help relieve stress and anxiety. Other research shows five-ten minutes of paced breathing, journalling and short guided meditations can also work. Gardening, long baths and reading fiction can also act as a stress release.

6. Structure balanced activity with rest

Establish a structured, weekly schedule focussing on moderate intensity exercise over high intensity, with rest and recovery also formally scheduled in, as per research. It’s not about completely cutting out all exercise, but making it a realistic, sustainable and healthy part of life.

7. Set training boundaries

Experts recommend built-in rest and setting a minimum duration per exercise session to avoid overexercising and to boost physiological recovery and psychological resilience. Aim for at least one rest day between workouts.

If you recognise these signs in yourself, it’s important to seek support from a GP or qualified mental health professional. Exercise dependency and exercise addiction are treatable, and getting help early can make recovery far easier and more sustainable. Contact your GP or use the NHS’ Mental Health Services, or contact BEAT.

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 As Women’s Health UK’s fitness director and a qualified Pilates and yoga instructor, Bridie Wilkins has been passionately reporting on exercise, health and nutrition since the start of her decade-long career in journalism. She secured her first role at Look Magazine, where her obsession with fitness began and she launched the magazine’s health and fitness column, Look Fit, before going on to become Health and Fitness writer at HELLO!. Since, she has written for Stylist, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle, The Metro, Runner’s World and Red.Now, she oversees all fitness content across womenshealthmag.com.uk and the print magazine, spearheading leading cross-platform franchises, such as ‘Fit At Any Age’, where we showcase the women proving that age is no barrier to exercise. She has also represented the brand on BBC Radio London, plus various podcasts and Substacks – all with the aim to encourage more women to exercise and show them how.Outside of work, find her trying the latest Pilates studio, testing her VO2 max for fun (TY, Oura), or posting workouts on Instagram.  

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