No Pain, No Gain, the person who came up with that mantra was sadly mistaken, if you’re performing an activity that is causing pain, STOP! Chances are you’re doing something wrong. Exercise should be fun and enjoyable, something to look forward to, dare I say… the highlight of your day.

Some Quick Tips

Work Out with Friends
When you set a date to meet a friend in the gym or park, right away you establish accountability. Your friend is counting on you and more importantly looking forward to the workout, sort of like a “Grownup Play Date”. Like most things it’s always better when with a buddy.

Try Different Activities
Can you imagine performing the same discipline over and over and over again, you’ll start to feel like a broken record. Switch It Up, variety being the spice of life. Besides your body will start to plateau if you do the same routine over and over again, lessening its effects.

Play Team Sports
Remember kickball as a kid, what about little league? In case you’ve forgotten they’re still fun; “Return to Youth” and enjoy you. Besides many of these leagues are co-ed, you might make a new friend or even more, you won’t know till you try.

Take a Trip
Go on a vacation that doesn’t consist of lying around on a beach for 8hrs a day or eating the 24/7 buffet on a cruise ship. Be active: hiking, biking, swimming, white water rafting, skiing, etc… It can be challenging, rewarding, and above all else fun.

Give Yourself a Treat
If you’ve accomplish your fitness goals for the week indulge a little, remember just a little. Anyone who’s exercised knows that that piece of cheese cake tastes so much better if you earned the right to eat it. Or maybe go out and buy yourself something nice, because now it actually fits.