11 Fun Ways to Exercise That Feel More Like Play Than Work

Hi. I'm from the 80s. You know the time — when exercise was drudgery and the motto was, "No pain, no gain." As an aerobics instructor and personal trainer, I logged countless hours in the gym lifting and riding exercise bikes, and on the road running. I got a little burned out. Eventually, life got in the way, and my exercise routine (which I was totally bored with and exhausted by), fell by the wayside.

Now I'm in my 50s, and I've returned to exercise, but this time in ways that won't burn me out. Yes, I still run a little and log some time on the stair climber (while listening to great music or podcasts to keep me motivated), but I've found other ways of exercising that allow me to be active and engaged and make me excited to get off the couch and move. These are some of the most enjoyable ways I've found to exercise. 

When you harness up and attach to a bungee in the ceiling, everything you do is instantly much easier on your joints. Plus, being that sproingy is a ton of fun. From running and jumping to doing bungee burpees, these classes are some of the most fun I've ever had in a gym. 

There is a learning curve, so always start in the very beginning class. There are ways to take it slow and modify everything, so it's suitable for a broad array of fitness levels. But you can also go all out, fly high, and have a super high-intensity session. It's all up to you, and you'll be smiling the whole time.

There's a reason pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. It's tons of fun, and it's easy enough for beginners to enjoy from the moment they start playing. Plus, the small courts and the movements of the pickleballs themselves make it easy for people with various fitness and experience levels to get in on the fun without absolutely exhausting themselves. 

I played pickleball years ago —  back in the 80s, before anyone had ever heard of it. I've recently picked it up again. And while you can get caught up in the whole competitive pickleball world with ratings and tournament play and stuff, it's also fun to just grab a few friends and mess around. Do it your way. You're going to love it.

Related: 20 Benefits of Pickleball That'll Convince You to Start Playing

Paddleboarding takes balance, core strength, and upper body strength. It's a lovely way to get out on the water. If you struggle with the standing part, begin by kneeling and, after a few sessions, work your way up to alternating kneeling and standing. Don't forget a personal flotation device to keep you safe, no matter how strong a swimmer you are.

Hiking is actually my raison d'être for all of the other workouts I do. Since I can't really hike every day, I do the other exercise so that when I'm on vacay or on the weekends, I'm always ready to take on a challenging jaunt in nature. To me, there's nothing better than putting my feet on a trail and connecting with the planet while I breathe fresh air and get away from all the distractions of life. 

There are so many ways you can make dance into exercise — from group dance classes like Nia or Zumba to recreational classes like learning salsa or ballroom dancing. I enjoy Nia, which is a combo of three types of dance, yoga, and martial arts, because it's so easy to customize to any fitness level.

Not into group things? I get it. Turn on some tunes at home and move in any way that feels good to you, or check out dance instructors on YouTube or TikTok and try to match their moves. 

Hula hooping engages your core, improves balance and coordination, and gets your heart pumping. Oh, and it'll make you feel like a kid again. It may take a bit to remember the technique, but once you've got it, turn on some tunes and hoop to your heart's content. Many gyms also offer hooping group classes, or you can find some fun videos on YouTube or TikTok. 

I'm much more likely to train if I have something fun that I'm training for. I've always loved a fun run, and there are so many great options available, from bubble runs to mud runs. If it has been a while since you've run, start slowly. Head to a local track and alternate walking and running (listen to some fun tunes to keep you going), listening to your body as you do. Before you know it, you'll be ready to sign up for a fun run.

With a spinning disc, a green space, and a partner (it can even be a dog), you can get in a great workout without much fuss or cost. Toss the frisbee back and forth or join a formal frisbee game like golf or football. You're never too old to play. 

Winter weather doesn't need to keep you from exercising outdoors. Cross-country skiing is super beginner-friendly, so it's an easy way to exercise wherever there's snow. Your speed and the terrain control how strenuous the workout is.

Sometimes, rainy days keep you from all your outdoor activities, but that doesn't mean you have to grind away. You can still play as you work out. Many pieces of workout equipment now come with screens that have some type of gamification, from virtual races to real-time challenges and competitions. Our rowing machine is part video game and part workout equipment, and it's all kinds of fun. 

There's something extremely satisfying about yelling "heeyah!" while striking or kicking. Plus, it's stress-relieving. 

Learning a martial art as an adult can be a lot of fun, and it gives you practical skills that'll improve your personal safety when you're out in nature doing your thing. Check with your local parks and rec department and see what types of classes are available. 

From playing games with your kids in the park to getting out on the water, there are a ton of ways to move that'll keep you healthy while allowing you to have fun. And while I'll always log miles running, walking, and using fitness equipment, I also look for engaging ways to exericse throughout the week in order to stay active. These are some of the most fun ways I've found to work out. Find something you love and get moving.