Inject more fun in your fitness to produce bigger smiles, a healthier libido, and a more balanced life.
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What the hell happened to the FUN in fitness? When did working out and exercising become so damn serious?
Strangers make comments about our diets in person and on social media.
Times, reps and weight are the benchmark of our success.
The clothes we wear represent our affiliations.
What happened to the smiles?
The belly wrenching laughter?
The foolishness of doing something unknown and different?
Does anyone remember being silly?
I find it so unquestioningly satisfying to provide an opportunity for someone to try something new or to become vulnerable and then to find strength through that vulnerability.
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I’ve been involved in various levels of CrossFit since 2007, it if it’s taught me anything it’s taught me awareness that we all have limits and that those limit’s are fun to explore.
But where’s the fun gone in that journey?
Much discussion has been had about the negative side of CrossFit and other HIIT methods. The Rhabdomyolysis, The ever growing business of Crossfit, ReeBoks goal to rule the world, The constant “Certification Systems” and lack of quality instruction.
It’s why Tough Mudders and Spartan races etc., have become so massively popular.
If you look you’ll find that many CrossFit, HITT or Functional training spaces now have some sort of “Weekend Warrior,” “Alpha Test,” “Titan Challenge,” or similar event running.
The Fitness Industry is more about the Money than it is about the Fitness.
It’s a cash cow.
So why not ride it all the way to the bank? Right?
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Don’t get me wrong…
There are some AMAZING Crossfit Boxes, trainers and communities out there. I’m lucky to be able to call myself a friend to a few them. Over the last few years though I’m seeing those amazing trainers/boxes as more the exception rather than the rule.
I’m as entrepreneurial as anyone out there. The Fitness Industry has always been about the money. I too love to make a profit, but more importantly, I love to make EXPERIENCES MATTER. I find it so unquestioningly satisfying to provide an opportunity for someone to try something new or to become vulnerable and then to find strength through that vulnerability.
My earliest experiences leading these type of situations was when I was guiding people on remote wilderness hiking/backpacking trips. I learned so much from those trips with FUN being the number one factor to keep in mind.
People suffering all the time SUCKS.
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Here’s 3 tips to ensure the rest of 2016 is full of FUN.
1) Connect With Another Living Being
Too often we wander this world in entirely our own headspace. Workouts are no different. We mindlessly step up to the bar, pace onto the track, pull our goggles down or sit on our bike seat and HIT IT.
Beat the time, Push it harder, Way Back, Go Back, Fall Back… we lose ourselves in the moment.
This is not a bad thing.
I LOVE getting into that perfect FLOW in a workout. That time when everything’s clicking, engine is pumping, feeling strong, coordinated and at ease.
It’s just that when that’s all you focus on sooner or later you’re going to crash. You’re going to burn yourself out and something will give. It might be your mental focus. It might be an injury that rears its ugly head. It might be that you simply get bored and need a kick in the pants.
This is where another human being comes in. They can give you so much more.
Smile with them
Laugh with them
Share with them
Talk to them
Let them lead and you follow
The point is connecting with other people breeds FUN. You just have to put your Smart Phone down long enough to remember and experience it.
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Workout with them… When was the last time you just went up to someone and said “Hey, lets change it up today and bang out a partner workout together, instead of the one on the board”. Have you ever?
Maybe it’s a chance to go over to that cutie you’ve been eyeballing and make a move. Or maybe it’s a chance to inspire someone who’s just starting their fitness journey.
The point is connecting with other people breeds FUN. You just have to put your Smart Phone down long enough to remember and experience it.
2) Become a Kid Again
Play, Play, Play and PLAY some more – Get the idea?
It’s becoming a lost art, the act of playing. I can remember being outside from dawn to dusk when I was not in school. Whether it was playing soccer, baseball or just exploring in the forests, ponds and other public areas. I was immersed in play.
In my business practice I encourage people of all ages and abilities to play. I use games, activities, experiences and challenges as the tools in my toolbox. A business core concept is simple – Play, but Play for Purpose.
In your workouts this year encourage yourself and others to play.
Build in moments when you’re discovering something new.
Go to your local playground and make up a workout. Just GO. Don’t overthink it. Just go, take a look at what you have to work with and make it happen.
Examples-
– Playground Workout – 5 rounds for time of:
1 up and back (once on each leg) – Hop Scotch Course
20 Swings (for more fun do a flyaway dismount off the swing)
1 Run through the entire jungle playground set (up over and across)
10 Pull-ups
10 Burpees
20 AirSquats
– Stop the class and initiate a 5 second group teddybear stand (stop being so damn anal about the time and have fun).
– Play a game of “Everyone’s It” Tag
– While in the warm up initiate a “Have you Ever” session
– Have the class attempt to break the “Balloons UP” world record. Here’s how to play:
– Give everyone a balloon. On your 3.2.1. GO time starts and everyone has to keep their balloon up in the air. If any balloon hits the floor time is over. Give yourself a warm up try and then set a time on the second attempt (If you want add it to your gym’s wipeboard and this way you can classify it as a workout benchmark to0).
The point is, allow yourself to stop being such an adult and find your inner kick ass kid.
3) Practice Public Self-Deprication
Nothing is more fun than making fun of yourself.
Ok, it’s obviously more fun for others than it is for you but self-deprication can have it’s place.
Ask someone for help. Yeah YOU.. ask someone else for their advice, help or wisdom.
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I don’t want to paint the picture of belittling or shaming yourself in public. I’m talking about taking yourself down a notch or two in your own ego book.
I 100% believe we must be confident in ourselves and willing to “walk our talk” in fitness and in life but at the same time there’s nothing wrong with allowing our flaws to be the central focus once in a while.
A couple of ideas:
Have your Yoga instructor take a picture of you when you absolutely look your worst and then post it to your Instagram or Facebook account.
Just before your workout’s about to start step out boldly and bust out your national anthem to the entire class.
Wear the strangest, ugliest or most unusual workout attire you can to your next session.
Ask someone for help. Yeah YOU.. ask someone else for their advice, help or wisdom.
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2016 has just started and it’s time you made a commitment to not only your fitness but also to having more fun.
It’s not all about the money.
It’s not all about the 1 Rep Max Squat.
It’s not always about the latest “shiny pebble” of fitness.
It’s about YOU living the best, most amazing year of your life.
Have Fun.
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As always, I welcome all comments and thoughts. Share a comment below with your TOP TIP for FITNESS FUN. I’d love to hear what brings smiles to your faces.
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Photo Credits (in order): Pixabay – Pixabay – Unsplash – Pixabay
Why is everyone so glum in the locker room?. Like it’s full homophobic guys scared to death that when I greet them with a smile and comment that it’s Monday and we ate and drank too much over the weekend, i am coming on to them. Lighten up guys, I’m just attempting to break through, and maybe make a new friend.