Fitness Hobbies for an Active Lifestyle
Is Fitness a Hobby? Can it be?
Here’s a secret about fitness…
Yes, it can totally be a hobby! People will say “It’s a lifestyle, not a hobby” but often treating it as a lifestyle overhaul can feel overwhelming. Fitness can then feel like an obligation, which means our brains may actively work against it.
Instead, try treating a fitness as any other hobby: decide you want to try a fitness activity, find resources to support it, find people to do it with you, and make time for it in your life. And pick something that you’ll enjoy – you’ll love incorporating it into your life, and the fact that it’s healthy will just be a side benefit!
Tips for Starting a New Fitness Hobby
The hardest part is getting started
- Find a workout buddy or a place to work out with other people. Being accountable to someone else will make sure that you don’t slack off when working out because they’ll be waiting for you at the gym or at home.
- Create a routine and set realistic goals for yourself. It’s important to make sure that your goals are attainable so that you don’t get discouraged from working out because of lack of progress.
- Find an activity that is fun and engaging for you. Some people find running to be boring, while others might enjoy
Benefits of Having Fitness Hobbies
How fitness hobbies can improve your life…
- Mental Health: Working out causes your body to release endorphins, known as “happiness hormones”. They offer pain relief and make you feel euphoric. Exercise can also act as meditation, allowing you to get out of your head.
- Physical Health: Clearly there are physical heath benefits to…more physicality. You can look forward to more ease in functional movements – no pain when picking up the kids, easily hauling boxes on moving day, stamina for your sightseeing during travel – AND looking and feeling better in your body.
- Social Connections: Like many activities, fitness hobbies bring about a new potential social group. This can be great for making friends in a new city, widening your friend group, or finding friends who may be a better influence on your overall health.
