If you’re anything like most people today, you wouldn’t consider exercising your favorite pastime. In fact, some people downright hate exercising and would prefer to try to find something to lose weight without exercising. However, exercising is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, and without it you definitely will not be able to lose weight and to maintain that ideal weight. Along with a healthy diet, there are certain tips, for learning to love exercising, even if you truly hate it.

First, try finding some exercises that you like to do. This is really a pretty simple thing to do if you just look around you to see what is available. In many cases it is something you already enjoy but need to take to a higher level. Of course, you should work out all of your body, but if you absolutely hate doing one kind of exercise, then look for another to take its place. You don’t have to do crunches to strengthen your core muscles. You don’t have to do lunges to work out your lower body. You don’t even have to run—you can replace it with cycling or swimming. Find the exercise you like to do and your workout will seem more enjoyable right away.

There are also many other different kinds of activities that you can find that you like to do and make them work for your body. For example, if you like working on your garden, try doing some exercising surrounding raking or instead of using a cultivator try using a how instead. You can even mow your yard by hand. If you enjoy the winter weather, you can try ice skating or sledding with friends. Instead of using the snow blower try using the shovel a little more. Taking up the sport of skiing whether it be downhill or cross country can be really great fun. No matter what you like to do, you can find ways to get some exercise. Thanks to the introduction of the Wii and game like Dance Dance Revolution, you can even combine video games and exercise. This and other exercises like it are good ways to have fun when you are stuck inside for inclimate weather.

Another great tip to liking exercise is to find a training partner. In many cases it is just not any fun to have to work out by yourself. When you work out together, you can help one another stay motivated, even if you don’t absolutely love exercising. It can also be a way to lighten up the mood even more by learning to laugh with each other. With a partner, you can have fun as well, trying things like tennis or challenging one another to meet certain goals. It is not always easy to follow your goals if there is not someone there to question you. Trainers can also provide this for you, as well as show you new and fun exercises to help you avoid getting bored or feeling overwhelmed at the gym. Even if it is not long term for a trainer they can at least help you to get started and find out what is best for you.

Lastly, try taking some classes. Exercising classes are a great way to meet new people, learn new exercises, stay motivated, and above all, have fun. Most gyms offer low-cost or free exercise classes with membership or you can check out options at your local community center.

Many people today do not exercise because they feel that it is no fun and that they just do not have the time. However if we truly look we can find the time. For one thing instead of just sitting on the couch watching TV you could set up your equipment near your TV and accomplish both at the same time. This will help you to stay a little bit more, happy and give you your workout time together. Staying motivated if you hate exercising can be hard, but set goals and don’t quit. You need to exercise as well as diet if you really want to lose weight. Make exercise fun and it won’t seem like such a chore. Once you have the routine down it will get much easier. The best benefit is you will be living a much healthier and energetic lifestyle.