5 Great Exercise Habits from those Crazy People Who Love to Work Out

The McKinley Beach Community is built around the concept of maintaining a naturally healthy lifestyle. This inevitably includes a well-balanced exercise routine. Out at McKinley Beach, we offer access to all kinds of natural exercise options including hiking, running, climbing, and swimming.

Exercising can be an arduous task. Some people find it extremely easy, they get up before the sun is even visible, they don their workout gear, and they’re busy burning calories before most of us have decided what to eat for breakfast. Or, they’re running during their lunch break, or heading off after work to play a sport. They’re the people with a packed gym bag always at the ready. You know the type.

Fitness experts claim that it’s possible to love exercise and there’s certainly enough people to prove this point to be true. Here’s some expert advice courtesy of Health.com on how you learn to love exercise:

1) ONLY DO WHAT YOU ENJOY

If you hate to run, maybe don’t take up running. Exercising needs to be something that is appealing to you so don’t pick a sport because that guy on TV recommended it. Choose something that you either already enjoy doing, or something that interests you personally. Otherwise you’ll just find an excuse not to workout, which kind of defeats the purpose.

2) MAKE EXERCISE A SOCIAL EVENT

A University of Southern California study showed that people have more fun working out when they’re able to do it with a friend. If all your friends are completely against joining you for that Saturday morning bike ride, you could always join a club or rec league.

3) DON’T FOCUS ON THE WEIGHT LOSS

It’s a familiar story; someone joins a gym to lose weight, they get bored, lose interest, and then they have nothing but a shiny gym membership card. Using short term goals, like weight loss, as your motivation to exercise often results in giving up as you either a) lose interest b) it doesn’t work right away so you lose hope or c) you quit once you hit your short term goal. Exercise should be a daily lifestyle choice, not a “break glass in case of emergency” problem-solver.

4) CRANK THOSE TUNES

Music is a classic motivation tool used the world over. The International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology states: “Use music to improve results. People exercise longer and more vigorously to music, and it distracts them from fatigue.” Make a playlist that inspires you, pop in those earbuds, and get in your groove.

5) BE DIFFERENT

Traditional exercise is not the be all and end all of your workout options. There are a lot of other things you can do besides running, biking, swimming, etc. How about trying a workout class? Or martial arts? Or maybe give ultimate frisbee a try? Don’t be afraid to try different things. You might be surprised at what you find fun.