ALBANY — Though the Arbor Hill Community Center’s blue and yellow gymnasium is classic American atmosphere, Olivia Frempong’s Tuesday night Ghanaian Zumba-style class, LivFit Afrobeats, is wholeheartedly West African.
Fitness
Afrobeats exercise class moves Arbor Hill Community Center
“When you walk through these doors, this is an environment where you can shake off all your stress and just have fun for an hour,” Frempong said.
The energy of the class is established as soon as the speaker starts bumping Afrobeats, which makes it nearly impossible to stand still.
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Any self-consciousness a dancer might feel is drowned out by the music, which Frempong describes as soul, jazz, rhythm and blues mixed with traditional African vibes.
When the class begins at 6 p.m., there are around eight of us — half are new. But as the beats flow, more and more people trickle in until the gym is warmed by over 20 people — ranging from 6-year-old kids to 60-year-olds — moving to the beat.
The class starts with participants marching in place and builds from that.
Frempong emphasizes that her class, which she leads alongside her 12-year-old daughter, Gabby, is for all abilities and sizes, encouraging those who aren’t confident in their dancing abilities.
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“If you can’t follow all the dance movements that’s OK, but just march in place,” Frempong said. “Have fun and be the best marcher there is in the room.”
Frempong was inspired to create LivFit 413 LLC in 2019, though her fitness journey started years prior. In 2012, Frempong gave birth to twins. She already had an 18-month-old.
At a postpartum doctor’s appointment, the doctor told her she had high blood pressure. As a breastfeeding mother of three, Frempong understood why. She questioned when the doctor’s first instinct was to prescribe her medicine.
“It just didn’t sit well with me that my first appointment to the doctor, I’m already being prescribed medications,” Frempong said.
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Frempong said she prayed and asked God to help her do the right thing. She chose not to take the medication.
Instead, she started by running a block and slowly increasing the increments until becoming a full-blown “running fanatic.” Frempong founded the Albany chapter of Black Girls Run in 2016. To date, she’s run eight marathons and is preparing to run the Boston Marathon in April 2025.
As part of her running in the Boston Marathon, she’s raising funds for the Herren Project, an addiction recovery nonprofit. Frempong has worked for 12 years as a clinical social worker and supervisor at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, working with people battling drug and alcohol addiction.
In 2017, Frempong earned her certification to teach Zumba, a popular dance fitness program. While taking a break from marathons in 2019, her friends encouraged her to take her love of dance and create a fitness program. Rather than teach the same Zumba curriculum, Frempong put a cultural twist on the exercise style.
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“I’m from Ghana, West Africa,” Frempong said. “I like sharing my rich, beautiful culture with the people.”
Tabitha Johnson has been attending the class since February. For her, the atmosphere and the lack of judgment is what keeps her coming back — and has inspired her to bring more people to the class.
The Tuesday night class has become a recurring social and fitness activity for Johnson and her co-workers from the Department of Motor Vehicles, three of whom are with her on this particular night.
“You don’t feel the pressure to perform everything,” Johnson said. “You don’t feel like you failed once you left, as long as you moved.”
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Johnson said that Frempong’s support continues outside of class, as she posts encouraging content on her Facebook group and Instagram and will reach out and check in when she notices regulars skipping class.
The weekly class being free is an added incentive, Johnson said. Frempong also teaches in Albany at the YMCA and at Push Fitness.
Frempong’s goal is to keep people moving, which she said is particularly important this time of year.
“When winter comes, people fall into depression because it’s dark out and nobody wants to move,” Frempong said. “My mission this winter is to just keep people moving.”
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Accompanying her Afrobeats, Frempong also incorporates Afropraise in her workout. She calls it faith fitness ministry, with the goal of motivating people of all fitness abilities and sizes. It’s subtle enough that if you’re agnostic, like me, you can still enjoy it.
At the end of the class, Frempong prays, “It’s by God’s grace we made it through the day, and by his grace we’ll finish the year strong.”
Fitness
8 ‘easiest ways to burn fat faster’: Fitness coach shares tips on how to lose weight quickly and burn more calories
Losing fat doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can be confusing with so much information coming at you from all directions. Fitness trainer Sunil Shetty (@profoundly_m3 on Instagram), who helps dozens of people on their weight loss journeys, wants to make things simple. He recently shared a post titled ‘8 rules to burn fat fast’ explaining eight ways to help with fat loss. Also read | Trying to lose weight but no results? Make sure these 5 foods are never on your plate
While losing weight is about diet, creating a calorie deficit, and following a workout routine, other lifestyle factors affect fat loss results. Sunil shared his ‘easiest way to lose fat faster’ and improve your success when trying to lose weight in a post, writing:
1. Create a calorie deficit
◉ What it means: Burn more calories than you consume.
◉ How to do it: Track your food intake using apps, eat smaller portions and avoid overeating.
◉ Tip: Start with a 500-calorie deficit per day for sustainable fat loss.
2. Don’t drink liquid calories
◉ Why it matters: Drinks like soda, juices and fancy coffees are calorie-dense but don’t fill you up.
◉ What to drink instead: Water, green tea, black coffee or herbal tea.
◉ Tip: Add lemon, mint or cucumber to water for flavour without extra calories.
3. Exercise at least 3 times per week
◉ Why: Strength training builds muscle, while cardio burns calories.
◉ What to do: Combine weight lifting with 20-30 minutes.
◉ Tip: Focus on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts and push-ups for maximum impact.
4. Eat protein at every meal
◉ Why: Protein keeps you full, preserves muscle and boosts metabolism.
◉ What to eat: Eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, lentils or Greek yoghurt.
◉ Tip: Aim for 20-30 g of protein per day.
5. Fill up on veggies
◉ Why: Low on calories and high in fibre, veggies keep you satisfied.
◉ What to eat: Spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini and bell peppers.
◉ Tip: Fill half your plate with veggies to avoid overeating.
6. Sleep 7-9 hours per night
◉ Why: Poor sleep increases hunger hormones and reduces fat loss.
◉ How to improve: Stick to a bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed and create a dark, quiet sleep environment.
◉ Tip: Quality sleep accelerates recovery and reduces cravings.
7. Increase your daily steps
◉ Why: Walking burns calories and improves overall activity levels.
◉ How to start: Aim for at least 10,000 steps daily.
◉ Tip: Take short walks after meals and use stairs instead of elevators.
8. Be consistent and enjoy the process
◉ Why: Fat loss takes time, consistency beats perfection.
◉ How to do it: Track your progress, reward small wins and focus on building long-term habits.
◉ Tip: Find workouts and meals you enjoy to make the journey sustainable.
Get better sleep with these tips
Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to lose weight because it increases your hunger hormones, which increases your cravings and makes you eat more the next day. Are you facing trouble getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every night? Check out these simple tricks recommended by sleep experts.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Fitness
How to choose an indoor cycling bike (that isn't a Peloton)
Like treadmills and ellipticals, stationary bikes are a home gym staple that can inspire you to get up and move, especially in the age of exercise giants like Peloton and Soul Cycle. But Peloton — which has past issues with equipment safety recalls — isn’t your only option.
To help narrow down your search, we vetted exercise bikes under $2,000 and talked to experts about important considerations to invest in the best bike for your needs.
SKIP AHEAD Best exercise bikes to shop | How to buy the best stationary bike for you | What about Peloton? | Why trust NBC Select?
How we picked the best stationary bikes
To find a bike that fits your needs, here are a few key factors our experts recommend keeping in mind as you shop:
- Weight: Exercise bikes typically have a weight limit for users — our options can hold at least 270 pounds.
- Price: A basic indoor bike will easily run you a few hundred dollars or more.
- Adjustability: All of the bikes we recommend have either adjustable handlebars, seats (or a combination of the two) and resistance knobs. Keep in mind that unlike most of the higher-end models, budget stationary bikes don’t typically list how many resistance levels they have.
- Subscriptions and connectivity: Smart bikes may require monthly subscriptions, especially when it comes to on-demand training and cycling classes. They also include metric consoles and the capability to link your workouts to apps and social media.
- Warranty: For higher-end exercise bikes, our experts recommend looking for at least a one-year warranty. Although many affordable bikes don’t come with warranties at their price point, we’re highlighting those that do.
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The best exercise bikes to shop in 2024
Listed below are highly rated and expert-recommended exercise bikes at various price points that align with our experts’ guidance.
Budget-friendly stationary bikes
Best overall budget bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
What we like
- Water bottle holder
- Adjustable handlebar
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike has an LCD monitor to help you track your progress, as well as an iPad holder. It comes with a three-month warranty for the overall bike and offers free replacement parts within a year of buying it. The bike has a 4.4-star average rating from 22,100 customer reviews on Amazon, many of which say that they love how easy the bike is to assemble and adjust, and that it provides great value for money. Reviewers also like how quiet the bike is while in use.
Maximum weight: 270 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: 3 months
Best portable budget bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Exercise Bike
What we like
- Access to free SunnyFit app
- Easy to transport
Although it doesn’t come with a digital monitor or an iPad holder, this option from Sunny Health & Fitness is good for anyone looking for a basic, adjustable exercise bike. The bike is mounted on wheels to make it easier to transport. It has a 4.4-star average rating across 6,458 customer reviews on Amazon, and it comes with a three-month warranty for its parts and a one-year warranty for the bike’s frame, according to the brand.
Maximum weight: 275 pounds | Digital monitor: no | Warranty: 3 months (parts); 1 year (frame)
Best adjustable budget bike: Pooboo Magnetic Resistance Indoor Cycling Bike
Something to note
- Monitor batteries not included
This indoor cycling bike has an LCD digital monitor that tracks your time, speed and distance, among other metrics. If you want to give the Pooboo a boost, it offers a tablet stand where you can place your iPad or water bottle. Though the bike doesn’t come with a warranty, shoppers can get free replacement parts within a year of buying the bike, according to the brand. It comes with a 4.7-star average rating from 512 customer reviews on Walmart.
Maximum weight: 330 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: None
Best versatile budget bike: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike
What we like
- High weight limit
- Versatile pedals
- Water bottle holder
“There is a touch of nostalgia to a Schwinn, and they are consistent and reliable machines,” says Chicago-based certified personal trainer Eric Ridings. “The IC3 serves the purpose of being a quality bike with great features at a lower price.” Schwinn’s IC3 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike has dual pedals that allow for different types of footwear, meaning you can wear regular sneakers or higher-end clip-in shoes. It also comes with a digital LCD monitor as well as a water bottle or tablet holder. It can hold around 300 pounds — more than most of the bikes here — and its warranty will cover the frame for five years, among other things, according to the brand.
Maximum weight: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: 5 years (frame); 2 years (mechanical); 2 years (electrical); 1 year (labor)
Best lightweight budget bike: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
What we like
- Adjustable seat
- Recumbent design
- LCD extra features
This recumbent bike from Schwinn is the best option for those with limited mobility or those who need a back rest while riding, says Zach Moxham, a certified personal trainer at Physical Equilibrium in New York City.
This bike works with cycling apps like Explore the World and Zwift (both of which require separate subscriptions) that let you keep track of your fitness goals and compete with other users. Though its handlebars are static due to its recumbent design (which makes it easier for entry and exit), it does have an adjustable, contoured seat that can move both backwards and forwards. It also offers 16 magnetic resistance levels, 13 workout programs, a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor and a 5.5-inch LCD display that can show programs, goal tracking and more.
Maximum weight: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: yes | Warranty: 10 years (frame); 2 years (parts); 1 year (electrical); 90 days (labor)
Best adjustable bike: Echelon Connect Bike EX-15
What we like
- Adjustable seat
- Recumbent design
The Echelon is about as close to the Peloton as you can get, with the major differences being that the Echelon has only 32 resistance levels compared to Peloton’s 100. Both offer an interactive experience with a wide range of on-demand classes (subscription sold separately), but the Echelon doesn’t require special cycling cleats. According to the brand, its racing-style seat is fully adjustable, and its bullhorn handlebars have a built-in device mount as well. The toe cages are also fully adjustable.
“Echelon also makes rowers and treadmills, so it’s great if you want to expand your home gym,” Ridings says. “They also have their own brand of trainers. If you have good instructors and the riders connect with them, it’s a valuable service.”
Maximum weight: 300 pounds | Digital monitor: no | Warranty: 1 year limited parts and labor
High-end stationary bikes
If you’re looking for a smart, higher-end stationary bike that costs less than Peleton’s options, below are highly rated and quality stationary bikes under $2,000.
Best overall high-end bike: Bowflex C6 Bike
What we like
- Lots of resistance options
- App membership
- Dumbbells included
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
The Bowflex C6 Bike has a backlit LCD metric console as well as a media holder for your phone or tablet. An upgrade compared to the more affordable exercise bikes, it has two water bottle holders (for those of us who get extra thirsty during a ride) and a knob that allows you to choose between 100 resistance levels.
The bike comes with several additional features, including a two month free trial fitness membership to JRNY, Bowflex’s workout app that comes with trainer-led videos. (Once its trial is up, JRNY costs $20 a month or $149 annually.) It also has dual-sided pedals to slip your toes or clip your cycling shoes into, and comes with a pair of three-pound dumbbells that slide into cradles at the front of the bike and a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor. “The Bowflex has the weights, and people really enjoy the JRNY trail rides,” Ridings says. “It also has a sleek, modern look. People care what it looks like in the room.”
Maximum weight: 330 pounds | Resistance levels: 100 | Membership: 1-year JRNY Membership | Warranty: 10 years (frame); 3 years (mechanical); 3 years (electrical); 1 year (labor)
Best with built-in tablet: Bowflex VeloCore Bike
What we like
- Built-in tablet
- Bluetooth heart monitor
- Bluetooth speakers
If you love Bowflex but you’re looking for a bike that has a built-in tablet, the Bowflex VeloCore Bike is your best bet. It comes with a 16-inch console, and you can swap it out for a 22-inch console if you’re looking for something bigger and don’t mind spending $400 more. Like the Bowflex C6, it has two water bottle holders and a knob that allows you to access 100 resistance levels. It also offers the same one-year JRNY fitness membership, dual-sided pedals, three-pound dumbbells and Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor. The VeloCore has Bluetooth speakers and a media rack, though it does come with a shorter warranty than its brethren: two years for its frame. It has a 4.8-star average rating from 1,027 reviews on Bowflex.
Maximum weight: 325 pounds | Resistance levels: 100 | Membership: 1-year JRNY Membership | Warranty: 2 years (frame); 2 years (mechanical); 1 years (electrical); 1 year (labor)
Largest tablet display: NordicTrack Commercial Studio S22i Cycle
What we like
- Large display
- Long warranty
- Dual-sided pedals
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
NordicTrack stationary bikes are recommended by our experts because they offer similar features to the Peloton, including scenic rides and Bluetooth connectivity. Like the Peloton Bike+, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio S22i Cycle has a large, 22-inch touchscreen display that rotates 360 degrees, so you can use the display off your bike, too (it’s also the most affordable bike here with that capability). It comes with dual water bottle holders, dual-sided pedals and a variety of resistance levels (though it only offers 24 compared to Bowflex’s 100 levels).
The NordicTrack S22i bike comes with a 30-day iFit Family Membership — it costs $15 a month once the trial is up, or $180 for the year — and a pair of three-pound dumbbells. Like the Bowflex, it has a 10-year frame warranty.
Maximum weight: 350 pounds | Resistance levels: 24 | Membership: 30-day iFIT Family Membership | Warranty: 10 years (frame); 2 years (parts); 1 year (labor)
Highest resistance: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
What we like
- App syncing
- Lots of resistance
- Heart-rate armband
The IC4 has more features and costs a bit more than the IC3. The exercise bike — which has a 4.7-star average rating from 807 reviews at Best Buy — can be synced with other workout apps like Peloton and Zwift, so you can stream thousands of workout classes. It comes with a 40-pound flywheel, 100 levels of resistance and a set of included three-pound dumbbells that sit in an easy-to-reach cradle, according to the brand. It also has dual water bottle holders and an integrated media rack so it can hold your tablet, and a Bluetooth heart-rate armband is also included.
Maximum weight: 330 pounds | Resistance levels: 100 | Membership: 1-year JRNY membership | Warranty: 3 years (parts); 90 days (labor)
Best fan-type resistance bike: Rogue Echo Bike
What we like
- Adjustable seat
- Fan resistance
This highly rated bike is a good option if you want a good quality bike without the bells and whistles of traditional high-end options: While it doesn’t include a built-in tablet, it does offer a mounted LCD console to monitor distance, calories burned, heart rate and more. And instead of using magnetic resistance settings like many other higher-end bikes, the bike uses a fan to adjust resistance, which means the faster you pedal, the more resistance builds, according to the brand. The padded seat can also adjust to eight different height settings and five front-to-back settings for a more comfortable fit. Keep in mind, however, that the rubber-grip handles are welded directly to the bike’s arms and can’t be adjusted.
Maximum Weight: 350 pounds | Resistance levels: n/a | Warranty: 2 years
How to shop for a stationary bike
The best stationary bike is the one you’re most likely to use, according to Ridings: “Whether that means a realistic price point or the prestige of getting the same gadgets your friends have, it always comes down to the system that fits you best and leads you to more exercise.”
Serious riders should prepare for a hefty price tag (starting at $1,000) if they’re looking for quality equipment, according to Angelina Palermo, a former professional cyclist and spokesperson for USA Cycling — a non-profit group focused on cycling as a sport. That said, you don’t need to spend almost $2,000 on Peloton’s Bike Ultimate Package. “If you know you are going to ride consistently, it makes all the sense in the world to invest in a more expensive bike — and the no-interest financing many of them offer makes some of these expensive bikes more accessible,” Ridings says.
Many of these needs may be met by relatively affordable options. Maybe you want to easily adjust the bike’s resistance, move its handlebars or just need something quiet for nighttime sweats. It’s often when you introduce screens, monitors and trackers — as well as features allowing for social connectedness — that prices climb significantly.
And don’t overlook sprucing up your current stationary bike with spinning accessories like a padded, adjustable seat and easy-to-grip support handles, if those are the issue. An uncomfortable bike has the potential to affect your performance and form while you bike. “In the long run, this could lead to unnecessary muscle strain and sustained injury,” Ridings says.
What about Peloton?
On May 11, 2023, Peloton announced a recall of about 2.2 million of its popular exercise bikes due to safety concerns over the seat post on its PL-01 models, which were sold from January 2018 through May 2023, according to the brand. Users can contact Peloton for a free replacement seat post that can be self-installed, according to Peloton. In the meantime, Peloton is requesting customers to immediately stop using the recalled bike.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Eric Ridings is a Chicago-based certified personal trainer.
- Zach Moxham is a certified personal trainer at Physical Equilibrium in New York City.
- Angelina Palermo is a former professional cyclist and spokesperson for USA Cycling.
Why trust NBC Select?
Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who has written a variety of stories about fitness equipment, including dumbbells, affordable ellipticals, weighted hula hoops and more. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select reporting on stories including the best thermal underwear and the best sales each week. For this article, Godio spoke to four cycling and fitness experts about how to shop for exercise bikes and researched dozens of options on the market to recommend the best ones to consider.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Fitness
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:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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