When most people think about exercise, the immediate image that pops into their head is a gym packed with cardio machines and weights. That’s usually accompanied by the dreaded thought of spending an hour sweating it out on a treadmill or pumping iron. But guess what? That doesn’t have to be your reality. The beauty of exercise is that there are endless ways to move your body, and none of them require you to lock yourself into a traditional gym routine if that’s not your thing.
The Gym Isn’t the Only Way
Yes, gyms have their perks. There’s something convenient about all the equipment in one place, the camaraderie (or friendly competition) with others, and even the social atmosphere. But if the idea of spending time on an elliptical or doing deadlifts makes you groan, why force it?
The truth is, there are so many other ways to get your body moving. For some, it could be walking with friends and chatting about life. For others, maybe it’s pole dancing classes, where you not only get a killer workout but also get to tap into your inner acrobat (and maybe boost your confidence in the process!). Or maybe you prefer short, sweet 10-minute HIIT workouts in the comfort of your own home.
Whatever it is, the key to sticking with any form of exercise is to find something you actually enjoy. It sounds simple, but it’s amazing how many people feel like they have to work out in a way that doesn’t suit them.
Move in a Way That Feels Right for You
I once had a client who didn’t have a set workout schedule. Her plan was incredibly flexible: every day, she would decide what she wanted to do and what she had the energy for. Sometimes it was a 20-minute walk outside, sometimes it was an hour of lifting weights, and sometimes it was 45 minutes of yoga. Her only rule was that she had to move for at least 20 minutes every day.
That simple rule helped her lose over 80 pounds. It wasn’t magic. It wasn’t some “secret hack” or revolutionary fitness trend. It was just consistent movement, done in a way that felt good to her.
This approach is perfect for people who hate rigid routines. If you wake up one morning and the thought of going to the gym makes you cringe, don’t go! Choose something else that feels better in the moment. Maybe it’s stretching, dancing in your living room, or even a brisk walk around the neighborhood. The point is to keep moving, not to punish yourself with workouts you hate.
Play Your Way to Fitness
Let’s throw it back for a moment—do you remember Dance Dance Revolution? If you ever played it, you’ll know how fun it was to stomp around trying to hit the right moves on time. I once heard a story about a kid who lost over 50 pounds just by playing Dance Dance Revolution for an hour every day.
Yes, a video game helped him lose weight. Why? Because it was fun, and he looked forward to it. He wasn’t following a strict workout program or slaving away on gym equipment he didn’t enjoy. He was playing a game—and in the process, getting fit.
There’s No “One Right Way” to Exercise
This is the part I really want to hammer home: there is no magic workout or exercise. There isn’t one program that is going to be the universal key to weight loss, fitness, or health. The key is to find something you enjoy and do it regularly.
If you love dancing, make it your thing! If hiking with your dog brings you peace, do that! Maybe you’re more of a morning yoga person or someone who likes to punch out their stress with a little boxing. It all counts.
If the thought of a strict, timed workout schedule stresses you out, don’t follow one. Listen to your body and see what it’s feeling like each day. You don’t have to fit into the traditional mold of fitness to achieve your goals.
Consistency Over Perfection
The most important factor in any fitness journey isn’t the intensity of your workout or how heavy you can lift. It’s consistency. If you can move your body for even just 20 minutes a day, you’re already doing something great for yourself. Over time, those small moments add up.
So, if you take anything away from this, let it be this: Find joy in moving your body. That’s what’s going to keep you going, long after the novelty of a new workout wears off. Whether it’s walking, dancing, swimming, lifting, or something else entirely, the best kind of exercise is the one you actually enjoy.