Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash
It’s almost the end of January and by this time many people have already given up on their New Year’s resolution. Don’t worry though, because it is not too late to jump back in and find fun ways to stay active! We all know that exercising and staying healthy is important, however we can still have a hard time sticking to it. Why is that? While we know how and why exercise is good for us, we don’t have the right mindset or smart approach towards exercise.
When you think of exercising, your immediate thought may be of running or weightlifting. You might be groaning at the thought of doing these activities. These activities are the traditional sense of working out. There are many enjoyable activities that you can start so that working out is not a burden and more something to look forward to.
This blog will focus on ways to spice up your normal workout routine.1
Think Outside the Gym
The gym can be intimidating, too expensive, or simply too inconvenient with your lifestyle. There are many alternatives to going to the gym. Some of these activities include kayaking, rollerblading, Zumba, and fencing.
Make it a Game
This one may surprise you but playing a video game that gets you standing up and moving around is a productive – and fun way to exercise. You can burn at least as many calories as you would be walking on a treadmill! There are many games that can be found on the Wii and Kinect for exercising, but a few are bowling, tennis, and soccer.
Pair it with Something You Enjoy
You can also incorporate exercise into your favorite activities and responsibilities you are already doing. This could look like doing a light workout during the commercial breaks of a show or dancing to music as you do household chores.
Make it Social
Exercising is more fun when you are doing it with friends! Grab a friend or two and join a club sport or attend a dance class together. They say that friends grow closer through unique shared experiences, and this is a great opportunity.
If you have kids, you can get them involved and implement exercising into your daily routine. This could look like going on afternoon nature walks together or doing seasonal activities (Skiing, cycling, etc.).
Try a Mindfulness Approach
Pay attention to your body when you exercise. This not only helps with improving your physical condition, but it also helps with interrupting the thoughts of worry and anxiety. Some activities that are great for mindfulness are rock climbing, swimming, and skiing.
A few helpful tools that provide free at home workouts are:
ACE Fitness: Provides workouts with descriptions of proper use and level of difficulty. https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/exercise-library/
Adidas Training App
Nike Training App
Luckily, you don’t have to wait until next year to get back into the habit of exercising. With the right mindset and a smart approach, you can create change in your life TODAY. Remember that it is possible to find enjoyment out of all life has to offer!
Tria Health Can Help
For select groups, Tria Health offers a weight management service called Choose to Lose. If this structured weight loss program is included through your benefits plan, you can receive help from a combination of registered dietitians, health coaches and pharmacists, along the best-in-class nutrition tracker app ‘LoseIt!’ and a Bluetooth scale.
Tria Health is a no cost benefit available through select members’ health plans. Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Tria Health will assist you in identifying any possible drug interactions or savings opportunities! Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure the intended outcomes from your medications are being received.
Questions?
Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742