Follow the Fun Theory to Keep on Track Working Out
Registered Dietician
| 2 min read
February is American Heart Month. The prevalence of heart disease is profound and impacts everyone, whether you suffer from coronary artery disease or hypertension, or if you know someone who has a heart condition. One of the things that we can do to help keep our heart healthy is exercise.
Remember our heart is a muscle and the hardest-working muscle in the body at that.
Getting Started With Exercise
Before beginning an exercise program, you should seek approval from your physician. You also want to be very realistic about your fitness level and how to start. Set SMART goals to keep you accountable and schedule your workouts to be realistic.
One of the most important things to keep you on a steady workout program is simple: Keep it fun and something you like to do. This fun factor can be wide-ranging depending on your preference; it can be simple like walking, doing a video at home, practicing yoga, going to the gym or dancing — even Zumba.
Doing a true self-assessment to help you stick to your workout routine will help. Personally, I like to mix it up and do all of the above. I am also a big fan of going to classes. I used to be a fitness instructor, so I appreciate the motivation and inspiration that come from the teacher; they help me stay focused and work hard throughout the class.
The Fun Theory
I recently heard about the Fun Theory, which holds that making something “fun” inspires people to do it. Check out this video about a staircase made of piano keys that proves this theory.
If you can’t watch right now, a simple staircase was transformed into a piano. Before, most people would take the escalator. Once the stairs became “fun”, 66% more people chose to take them – amazing, right?
Remember, working out needs to be more than just a fun theory, you have to do it and put a plan into action. What are some things that you have changed or could change in your exercise routine to make it more fun and keep you on track?
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Photo credit: Ed Yourdon
