The other day, I set out to get some exercise. At first, I thought about going for a run—but to be honest, I’ve never loved running. Next, I considered jumping rope or hitting a punching bag, but neither option felt particularly appealing. Instead, I found myself thinking about what actually sounded fun. I realized I really wanted to shoot some hoops.
So, I grabbed a basketball, headed over to the nearest court, and spent the next 20 minutes shooting baskets. By the time I was done, I was sweaty, my heart was racing, and I felt genuinely exhilarated. Plus, I’d enjoyed every minute of it—no clock-watching, no dread. It didn’t feel like a workout, but I got all the same benefits.
This experience reminded me that exercise doesn’t always have to be grueling or purely functional. Sometimes, the best exercise is the one that feels like play.
Why Play Should Be a Cornerstone of Your Workout Routine
Many of us grow up thinking that fitness has to be all about discipline and pushing ourselves to the limit. While there’s definitely value in challenging workouts, there’s also a place for movement that feels more like fun and less like work. In fact, making play a regular part of your fitness routine has numerous physical and mental benefits—and it might just be the missing ingredient in your long-term exercise habit.
Here’s why incorporating play into your workouts can be a game-changer:
1. Play helps you stick to a routine. When you enjoy what you’re doing, it’s easier to stay consistent. Many people fall off the fitness wagon because they’re doing workouts they don’t actually enjoy. Play, on the other hand, makes it easy to show up because you look forward to it. Instead of feeling like a chore, exercise becomes something you want to do.
2. Play improves mental health. Physical play triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and other feel-good brain chemicals, helping to reduce stress and improve your mood. Plus, play often brings out a sense of joy and freedom that’s hard to find in other types of exercise. This can help boost overall mental well-being and give you a break from the stresses of daily life.
3. Play encourages natural movement. Playful activities are often less structured, which means they involve a variety of movements that your body might not get in a traditional workout. This can improve coordination, agility, and balance, as well as help prevent injuries. When you’re moving in a way that feels natural and varied, you’re also more likely to develop functional fitness that carries over into everyday life.
4. Play helps you bring out your inner kid. Remember how it felt to climb trees, play tag, or ride your bike around the neighborhood? Bringing back these activities can help rekindle that childlike curiosity and joy that we often lose as adults. By tapping into those feelings, you can make your workout feel less like a task and more like an adventure.
Three Fun Ways to Add Play into Your Workout Routine
Ready to bring a little more play into your life? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Rediscover your favorite childhood activities. Think back to the things you loved doing as a kid—like rollerblading, skateboarding, climbing, or riding your bike. Revisit some of those activities to see if they’re still just as fun now as they were back then. You’ll be amazed at how playful these can feel as an adult.
2. Try a new sport. Sports like pickleball, soccer, or ultimate frisbee provide a great cardio workout without feeling like exercise. Many of these games allow for bursts of high-intensity movement with periods of rest, giving you a great workout without forcing you into a regimented routine. (Or try jiu-jitsu — like I did!)
3. Get outdoors and explore. Nature has a way of inviting play. Go hiking, trail running, or paddleboarding, or even explore local parks to see where you can get moving. Unlike running on a treadmill, being outdoors offers new scenery, different terrains, and natural challenges, making your workout feel like a mini adventure.
Not All Exercise Has to Be So Hard
When you give yourself permission to play, you’ll find yourself moving more, feeling better, and enjoying exercise in a whole new way. Play should be celebrated as a valid and beneficial way to stay active.
So next time you’re dreading the gym, think about what would actually be fun instead—and go do that.