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May 28, 2026—You probably know that regular exercise can help your mind and body. But what if you don't particularly like doing it?

When something feels like a chore, it can be harder to stick with it. Luckily, there are science-based strategies you can try to make exercise a more enjoyable part of your life.

8 ways to make exercise fun

Try tweaking your workout routine with these tips, based on information from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Heart Association, AARP and other experts.

1. Make an exercise playlist. Music makes movement fun. And researchers who study its influence on exercisers have found that it can be a powerful motivator. (For safety's sake, keep the volume low enough that you can hear traffic and be aware of your surroundings.)

Exercising indoors? Make it multisensory by watching upbeat music videos. Adding visuals that mesh with your tunes can amplify the benefits of music, says the ACSM.

2. Get some fresh air. Gyms aren't for everyone. Many people find exercising outdoors a more pleasant experience than exercising indoors. Look for opportunities close by, like hiking trails, bike paths or urban green spaces. As a bonus, spending time in a natural environment can provide an additional mood boost.

3. Add an exercise element to something you already enjoy. All kinds of movement, from playing with your kids to planting a garden to paddling a boat, can be exercise. Another idea: Jog in place or lift some weights while watching your favorite TV show. If podcasts are more your thing, listen to the latest episodes during your workouts.

4. Make a game of it. Use an app or your imagination. For example:

• Try to beat your previous time while cycling a bike path.
• Count how many blue cars you see on your walk.
• Download a walking or running app that takes you on virtual challenges as you move.
• Play a sport, like tennis, pickleball or basketball.

5. Find an exercise buddy. You may find that "the more the merrier" applies to exercise. Plus, your workout partners will be there to motivate you and keep you accountable to exercise. You could:

• Invite a family member or a friend to work out with you.
• Start a walking group.
• Take an exercise class.

6. Listen to your body. Choose a pace and intensity that feels good. Forget "no pain, no gain." Exercise shouldn't feel like punishment, and any amount of movement is better than none. If you feel discomfort, stop. Take a short rest, then slowly resume your workout. Keep it fun so you'll want to do it again and again.

7. Add a sense of discovery. Take a different route during your walking or cycling routine. Explore a park, trail or neighborhood you've never been to before. Try a new adventure, like rock climbing or a kickboxing class.

8. Consider coffee and carbs first. It's hard to feel up to exercising if you're not a morning person or if your stomach is grumbling for fuel. Having a moderate amount of caffeinated coffee or a carbohydrate-containing food or drink to kick-start your workout may improve your experience, says the ACSM.

Maintain your motivation

When you enjoy exercise, you're more likely to keep at it—or even step up how much you challenge yourself and how much time you're active. But if you're having trouble keeping up with your routine, these tips can help keep you going.

Sources

• AARP. "To Get a Better Workout, Play Like a Kid." https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/fun-ways-to-exercise .
• American College of Sports Medicine. "10 Ways to Enhance Pleasure During Exercise." https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/fulltext/2024/05000/shareable_resource__10_ways_to_enhance_pleasure.16.aspx.
• American Diabetes Association. "Putting the Fun in Fitness." https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/fitness/putting-fun-fitness.
• American Heart Association. "Make Movement More Fun." https://www.heart.org/-/media/Healthy-Living-Files/Infographics/Make_movement_fun_infographic.pdf.
• HelpGuide. "How to Start Exercising and Stick to It." https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/fitness/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.