10 Simple Ways to Make Working Out More Enjoyable

1. Master Your Mindset: The key to enjoying exercise is attitude. Prior to your workout, focus on your goals, prior

efforts, and the opportunity to de-stress as a means of motivation and satisfaction. Rather than regarding

exercise as a punishment, identify the positives. Ultimately, you control your attitude, be an optimist!

2. Education "Core"ner: The age-old saying, "Knowledge is power," is undoubtedly true in your personal quest for health and fitness. The countless online articles and videos, as well as related books, magazines, and journals may be one of the most powerful motivational tools. Becoming an expert in a certain area will certainly inspire a sense of pride and ownership in your workout and maximize your enjoyment.

3. Interval Inc.: If your daily workouts routines have become monotonous in pace, duration, exercise selection, and intensity, you are long-overdue for an "extreme-fitness makeover." During your cardio routines, alternate slower periods with faster periods to kickstart your metabolism and burn more calories, while making time fly. To resuscitate your strength training routine, cut out the rest and move from one exercise to the next and increase the density of your workout. Aim for a total-body circuit of 12 to 14 exercises (10-15 reps), 2 to 3 days per week.

4. Costume Change: I am a firm believer in if you look good, you will feel better, and if you feel better, you will perform your best. Reward yourself for your commitment to fitness and treat yourself to a new workout outfit or two.

5. Scenery Switch: Changing where you workout from time-to-time is essential for keeping exercise fresh. Appreciate the natural beauty of the outdoors, try out a new walking or running trail, or join an existing local exercise group.

6. Exercise Expansion: The ways you can exercise are endless and many offer the same healthy benefits. Try a new activity, join a new team, and learn at least one new exercise or movement progression to add into each and every workout. Choose the activities you enjoy the most and love every minute of it.

7. Partner Power!: Enlist the services of a Personal Trainer to educate, motivate, and organize your workouts. An exercise partner in the form of a spouse, friend, or like-minded individual will keep you accountable and enhance your workout experience as you grow in health and fitness together.

8. The Group Fitness Advantage: As a Group Fitness Instructor, I am firm supporter of the group element to maximize personal motivation and enjoyment. The possibilities are endless (yoga, pilates, zumba, core classes, kettlebells, running groups, biking groups, water aerobics, resistance band workouts, aerobics, spinning, kickboxing, boxing, bootcamp, martial arts, organized sports, and on and on). There are group opportunities for every age, experience level, and exercise preference. Join a new group and feel the instant power of positive energy, a support system, and a rush of endorphins.

9. Music is My Motivation: Create personal playlists to provide a continuous source of rhythm and energy. During interval training, match the speed of the song to the speed of your workout. Also, make a cool-down playlist to play during your post-workout stretching period to relax and focus on the day ahead.

10. Technology Tactics: Use technology to your advantage. Wear a pedometer each day and set goals to overall increase movement. There are countless applications and electronic trackers of distance, heart rate, time, and other helpful feedback variables. Listening to your favorite podcast while you exercise (ESPN's Bill Simmons for me), is an enjoyable reprieve from your usual playlist. Lastly, viewing more online workout videos will allow you to learn proper form, new exercises, and ways to keep your workouts fresh and fun!

I hope all of my suggestions will enhance the enjoyment of your workouts and allow you to unlock your true health and fitness potential!