Despite what you may feel, exercising is not an activity reserved for the super fit.

Exercise is a human right and an invaluable tool for improving your physical and mental health. You don’t have to hit the local gym and pump weights half naked to reap the benefits. 

If you don’t love hitting the gym, here are 5 unconventional ways to work out that might be more enjoyable and tempt you to get moving!

There is a lot to like about hiking. You get to decide how hard you work, how hard the trail is and you get to be outside, in nature getting in some vitamin D. If you don’t know where to start, there are thousands of websites dedicated to outlining the scenic hikes in your area. Choose a beginners course and build from there. 

This is a no brainer. You might not enjoy lifting weights at the gym but you may really enjoy getting back to your roots and joining a team. You can do it socially or join a club in your suburb or area. You will often train and play games on weeknights (sometimes wil games on the weekends) all whilst meeting new people! It’s a win win. 

Now this one requires an investment, you’ll need to purchase a bike. Second hand from Facebook Marketplace will do just fine. If you have a few friends with a bike, even better. Exploring your city, learning a new skill, being outside, if you want to feel like a kid again, this is the exercise for you!

This is one of the easiest ways to keep you motivated and kick start your fitness journey. It may be daunting in the beginning but after 1-2 weeks, you’ll have new friends and a whole new set of reasons to enjoy exercise. You don’t have to think about the workouts, you just turn up and participate. Fitstop, F45, BodyFit, REVL, Crossfit… pick your poison, there are so many to choose from. 

If you’re driven by learning a new skill and getting your exercise in at the same time, try martial arts! There’s a reason the majority of people who do this sport are super fit. Majority of these are full-body workouts that engage you both physically and mentally. 

So yes, this is your permission to cancel your gym membership. Enjoyment is the single most important factor in being able to sustain a fitness routine, so stop punishing yourself in the gym and go and find something you actually ENJOY doing.