FUN WAYS TO EXERCISE: 23 UNCONVENTIONAL WORKOUT IDEAS

Exercising can sometimes feel like an exclusive club, accessible only to people who are already super fit. But no matter where you are on your fitness journey, you too can experience joy while moving your body, getting your heart rate up and working toward your health and wellness goals.

If the thought of working out conjures up images of a muscled Arnold Schwarzenegger lifting ultra-heavy weights in a spartan-style gym, think again. Working out can be whatever you want it to be—it doesn’t have to be restricted to the weight room or a boring treadmill. In fact, you can work out anywhere, at any time. (Yes, the park, your office stairwell and your kitchen all count.)

So, what are some fun ways to exercise that don’t involve a gym membership? If you’re in need of a little inspiration for your next calorie-burning routine, we’ve got a challenging (but enjoyable) list of exercise activities that just might tempt you to jump off the couch—before you get to No. 23!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why should you exercise?

How to make exercise fun

23 fun ways to exercise

How to choose a fun workout

WHY SHOULD YOU EXERCISE?

Woman kicking boxing training bag

We all know we should exercise—along with drinking plenty of water, getting a full night’s sleep, eating fresh, whole foods and using a nutritional supplement for extra support. But how exactly does exercise impact us?

Researchers have spent a lot of time studying this question. Exercise has numerous science-backed benefits—and some of them might even surprise you:

Working out can extend your lifespan, help stave off cardiovascular diseases and lower your risk of diabetes.[1]

Physical activity can help fight the effects of aging, while keeping your immune system vibrant and healthy, too.[2][3]

Regular movement can help strengthen your bones and help you feel more energized and less fatigued.[4][5] (And who doesn’t want that?)

Exercise can provide positive benefits to your mental health and sharpness, as it can help lower your risk of depression and work to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.[6][7]

There may be tons of different ways to exercise, but it’s helpful to keep in mind that they all add up to the same physical and mental health benefits. As long as you’re moving your body, you’re on the right track.

HOW TO MAKE EXERCISE FUN

Couple running together outside.

Exercise can be intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out or you’re jumping back in after a long break. Your brain can conjure up so many reasons why you shouldn’t exercise—it’s hard, you’re stressed out from work, you’ll get sweaty, you’ll get tired too quickly, people will laugh at you if you do it wrong, you don’t have time, the gym is only for bodybuilders and extreme athletes, it’s boring, the gym is expensive, you don’t have the right shoes or clothing…the list goes on and on.

Sure, some of these reasons are totally valid—exercise is challenging, which is why it helps you get stronger. But, on the flip side, you can learn how to make working out fun, so long as you find the activity that’s right for you.

23 FUN WAYS TO EXERCISE

Woman doing yoga on standup paddleboard.

So, how do you find fun exercises or activities that actually make you excited about working out? You have to be willing to think outside the box a bit.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fun ways to exercise for inspiration. Be sure to bookmark this list of exercise activities for the next time you’re feeling unmotivated or bored with your current routine!

1. ROLLERBLADING OR ROLLERSKATING

As you cruise along the sidewalk in your rollerblades or roller skates—with the wind in your hair and a smile on your face—you won’t even notice that you’re technically exercising. Stop by a local thrift shop or used sporting goods retailer to find a pair in your size, then… Just. Start. Skating. Grab a helmet and some elbow and knee pads while you’re at it, too. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

2. HIKING

Hiking can be whatever you want—a super steep and rocky climb, or a mellow saunter along a mostly flat trail. The important thing is: You’re outside, enjoying nature and moving your body. Download apps like AllTrails or TrailLink to find scenic hiking trails in your area.

Related: Get Outside: The Health Benefits of Fresh Air and Forest Bathing

3. GO TO THE BATTING CAGES

Swinging a baseball bat is no easy feat. But, spending a whole 30 minutes or an hour at a batting cage is a seriously good workout—and tons of fun!

4. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

When winter rolls around, it can totally zap your motivation to work out. But instead of grumbling about the cold, snowy weather, why not enjoy it with fun exercises like cross-country skiing? If you’re not quite sold on the investment, rent a pair of skis or find some at your local used sporting goods store, then enjoy the simplicity of gliding across the snow. Many local parks allow residents to cross-country ski after big snowstorms in the winter, or you can research designated local cross-country areas.

Pro tip: This low-impact activity can actually help you boost your endurance and strength—without doing a number on your joints.

5. KAYAKING

Man holding oar while kayaking on a lake.

Even on a calm lake, paddling a kayak is a great workout. You’ll engage your core, your arms and your legs as you propel yourself through the water and stabilize the vessel while you move. Plus, you’ll get a chance to enjoy nature, which also benefits your physical and mental health.

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6. SNOWSHOEING

When the snow is too deep for hiking boots, strap on a pair of snowshoes and hit the trail. This peaceful activity is just like walking through the woods, except you’re able to stay on top of the snow—rather than sinking into it. Go at your own pace, and be sure to stop to enjoy the sparkling winter scenery every now and then.

7. STANDUP PADDLEBOARD YOGA

Standup paddleboarding is at the top of the fun workouts list in its own right. But throw in a few yoga poses, and it becomes a full-blown physical challenge. You can research a few poses online before you hit the water, or consider signing up for a local paddleboard yoga class. You’ll be surprised at how much you use your core and all those little stabilizer muscles throughout your body to stay upright as you move through your flow!

Related: This Yoga Nidra Routine Will Make You Feel Like You Got a Full Night’s Sleep

8. ROCK CLIMBING

Even if you live in a region with a super-flat landscape, you can still get vertical—and work up a serious sweat—by visiting a local climbing gym. Choose between top-rope climbing, which allows you to climb higher on the wall since you’re secured with ropes and a harness, and bouldering, which is done closer to the padded flooring and doesn’t involve ropes. If you’re up for the challenge, consider booking a rock climbing lesson or tour outdoors, too.

9. TAKE A DANCE CLASS (OR JUST DANCE!)

Hip hop dancers performing in a class.

Even if you’re not the most coordinated person on the planet, signing up for a dance class or a dance lesson will help you move your body without realizing that you’re exercising. Whether you’re into hip-hop, tango, two-step, shuffling or some other style of dance altogether, you’re sure to find tons of studios, clubs and ballrooms offering lessons and classes near you.

Pro tip: Too nervous to dance in public? Crank up your favorite playlist at home and dance your heart out in the kitchen!

10. JUMP ROPE

Remember those days in gym class when everyone tried to master double-unders? You can bring back some of that childhood nostalgia and get your heart pumping by jumping rope. Head to your backyard or set up in a room in your house with a tall ceiling, then crank some upbeat music and jump away. It’s harder than it looks, but it’s seriously fun.

11. TEAM SPORTS

Check out the website of your city or county recreation department to find team sports leagues near you. Whether you’ve always wanted to try playing kickball or you hope to dust off your old volleyball from high school, there are tons of options when it comes to rec league sports. With games regularly held on weeknights, you’ll be able to exercise and meet new people from your community—while still keeping your Saturdays and Sundays free.

Here’s a list of sports to consider if you want to make exercise fun: