How to make exercise fun

1Buddy up

A problem shared is a problem halved! Get yourself an exercise buddy and plan some partner workouts. It's so much more fun to exercise with somebody and to help motivate each other. You can also incorporate fun partner moves into your workout!

Try this:

• Both lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, facing each other so your toes are nearly touching.
• One of you hold a big stability ball with your arms straight above your head.
• Slowly start to perform a sit-up while keeping your arms straight and the ball above your head.
• Once you both are sitting, pass the ball over to your partner and start to slowly lower yourself back down to the floor, while one of you holds the ball.
• Repeat and keep passing the ball between you.

This is a great exercise for your stomach muscles!

2Exercise dice

If you're someone who enjoys a little mystery, why not try using exercise dice? These handy little aids don't cost much and can remove the pressure of deciding what to do for your workout. There are two dice – the way they work is one dice has various durations on it, e.g. 60 seconds, and the other has various exercise moves, e.g. squats. Simply roll the dice together and see what you get dealt! Start your workout pledging to make 10 rolls for example, and you'll have yourself a quick little HIIT workout.

3Coffee to go

If you're planning a catch-up coffee with a friend, why not grab it to go and head for a stroll? At this time of year, we need to make the most of the nicer weather while we can. This way you'll get some essential exercise, while having a good old natter with a friend. Pick a more challenging hill walk if you want to ramp up the intensity.

4Embrace your inner child

Do you remember how much energy you had as a child and how much joy you’d get from playing with a skipping rope or hula-hoop? Why not try to channel that energy now and give those old activities a go! Hula-hooping is fast becoming a super popular and fun way to workout. It's great cardio and helps to strengthen and tone your core. Weighted hula-hoops up the intensity too – just watch out for bruised hips!

Skipping is also a great workout, it feels like a throwback to the school playground so it's fun! An hour of skipping, which would be rather impressive, can burn upwards of 500 calories – talk about a super burner.

5Dance like nobody is watching

Arguably the most fun way to exercise, dancing is definitely a winner. How many times have you had to be dragged onto the dancefloor at a wedding to get your 'exercise' in? Never I'd imagine, because people love to dance! And the good news is, it's a great workout. Whether you stick on your favourite tunes at home and dance around your kitchen like nobody is watching, or join an official class, dancing is a great way to move your body while also having fun.

6Play a game

Exercise doesn't have to be something you do solo or something you find dull – it encompasses game playing too. Anything from a game of tennis, volleyball, football, badminton or golf – to fun stuff like playing chase with the kids! You can't beat a fun family game of rounders when the sun is shining! Join in with family activities and rest in the knowledge you're working out while having fun!

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