Falling in Love with Fitness: How to Find a Workout You Truly Enjoy

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When it comes to fitness, one of the most common struggles is finding a workout routine you actually enjoy.

Too often, we approach exercise as a chore rather than something to embrace. But what if working out could be a highlight of your day?

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Here’s how to fall in love with fitness and discover the workout that leaves you feeling happy and refreshed.

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Reflect on What You Love

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First take time to think about activities that bring you joy. Do you love dancing? Hiking in nature? Playing team sports? Use these as a starting point.

Consider also your personality. Are you someone who enjoys structure or freedom? Are you introverted or extroverted? Make a list of all of the physical activities you enjoy (or that you think you might enjoy)--gardening, running, dancing, cycling, rock climbing, martial arts, whatever you can think of!

Fitness doesn’t have to fit into a traditional mold. By aligning your workouts with what you already enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with them.

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Experiment with an Open Mind

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It’s okay to try a few things before finding your groove. In fact, Olympic gold medalist Lindsay Vonn recommends trying one new workout (at least 20 minutes long) every week for one month to help you explore and find something you might want to try again. 

Many gyms and studios offer free trials or drop-in classes that you can try out. If you haven’t already, sign up for your 14-day free trial with the Pietra Fitness Online Studio to get access to many different types of workouts that you can do right from the comfort of your home. 

If you dislike something, cross it off your list. If you enjoyed it, even a little bit, try it again the following week and go from there. 

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Set Goals that Inspire You

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Instead of focusing solely on weight loss or aesthetics, set goals that excite you. These could include:

• Running your first 5K
• Learning to do a handstand
• Mastering a challenging stretch
• Climbing a local peak

When your goals are tied to personal growth and achievement, they can be far more motivating.

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Focus on Fun, Not Perfection

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Let go of the idea that you need to excel at something for it to count. Your workouts don’t have to be Instagram-worthy—they just have to make you feel good.

Unsurprisingly, a study conducted by the Institute for Sport Science found that positive feelings experienced during a workout session “...provide[d] higher adherence to the training program”. ¹

In this study, positive feedback, individualized instructions, and variety in the workouts was used with the test group to create a more enjoyable environment and it made significant impact the participants' consistency with the program. 

Finding workouts you genuinely enjoy and feel good doing will help solidify fitness into a habit that will last the rest of your life. 

Falling in love with fitness is all about finding what resonates with you. By focusing on joy, curiosity, and personal growth, you can transform your relationship with exercise. 

Whether it’s dancing, climbing, or simply walking in the fresh air, the perfect workout for you is out there—and it’s waiting to become your new favorite habit

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