Exercise: Are you having fun yet? 🧐

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💡 Should exercise be fun?

Is exercise supposed to be fun or is supposed to be this test of our grit and determination?

Well yes and no. Super helpful I know but like most things the answer lies in the grey.

“Fun” can be experienced in a couple of different ways. Grabbing a beer with a mate is fun. Climbing a mountain in Wales in sideways rain is pretty uncomfortable not exactly fun at the moment but feels great after. Both are “fun” in their right but in different ways. This is what is known as type one and type two fun.

Type I Fun: “Simple Fun”

Type one fun is the kind we all recognise. It’s enjoyable right from the start. Going to a pub with a few friends, eating your favourite foods or crashing on the sofa to watch TV. The enjoyment is instant and obvious.

For some playing sports or active hobbies might fall into this category so for them a form of exercise is inherently fun.

Type Two Fun: “Enjoyable After”

Type two fun doesn’t feel great while it’s happening, but you feel fantastic afterwards. Think of a tough gym session, a hard run or a cold Welsh mountain. During the activity, you might be cursing every minute, but afterwards, you get that euphoric feeling of accomplishment and those sweet, sweet endorphins.

For most of us, this will be exercise; we are doing it for the benefit, not the activity itself.

There is even a third type…

Type Three Fun: Character-Building

Type three fun is rarely enjoyable at the moment and often not even after, but it’s transformative. It’s the kind of challenge that tests your limits and builds character. For some, this might be training for a marathon or making significant dietary changes to improve your health. These experiences are tough, but they lead to major growth and lasting change.

These are the things you are still telling stories about years after.

The Magic of Repetition

Here’s the exciting part: when you repeat type two fun enough, it starts to feel like type one fun. Your brain gets used to the reward pathway, and the activity becomes more enjoyable in the moment because you know the rewards are coming. So, even if hitting the gym isn’t fun at first, stick with it. Eventually, your brain will start associating the effort with the positive outcomes.

This is why avid exercises might find it easier to lace up and get training vs those just starting out. They know the discomfort is short-lived…But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows; even with repetition you will still need some grit and determination to nudge that initial action.

Finding Your Balance

The key to a sustainable & repeatable fitness and lifestyle routine is balancing all three types of fun. Enjoy type one fun to keep things light and engaging. Embrace type two fun to experience the rewards and learn to push through that initial discomfort. And from time to time tackle something big and scary (type three fun) for long-term growth.

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P.S. If you enjoyed this week's Thursday Three, please share it with a friend.

Thanks,

Jamie