The Relaxed Workout

Working out doesn’t have to be extreme, it can be fun—relaxing even. Let us show you how.

Working out – intense, sweat, burn, do it! These are the most famous words used to describe working out or being fit. For a lot of us, it is encouraging, motivating or filled with that tough love that feels more tough than love. At the same time, these terms can drive a lot of people away from being fit as they view it as aggressive, intense, and demeaning.

The truth is that the intense workout—the one with your dedication and full attention—is critical. But, there are also days when you want to enjoy your workout, I mean enjoy it to the point where you feel like you have relaxed and burned some calories. There are some ways you can make that “relaxed workout” happen!

Buddy Up!

There is nothing better than catching up with your close friend and getting a workout in. You can go out hiking with your friend, or take a short bike ride by the beach ride and then have a cup of coffee or even bike next to each other in a gym while you both catch up with life. Sometimes, doing workouts with a friend can make an intense workout feel like a cakewalk.

Read or Hear That Book!

Finishing your favorite novel or catching up on your favorite celebrity gossip and getting a workout done? Yes! It’s all about multi-tasking. Bring your favorite book, and ride a bike at the gym for about 40–45 minutes. If reading a book is uncomfortable to you, load your favorite podcast, listen to your favorite debates, lessons, or lecture, or download an audiobook.

Eat While You Move it!

When I say eat, I do not mean bring a whole meal in with you to workout. There are some people who work out only to eat. Why wait for the workout to be over? Bring in a small protein shake, a cup of your favorite coffee latte, or even a bag of trail mix or protein bar. Snack away and feel energized and rewarded while you walk, jog, or even lift some weights.

Home Workouts with Breaks

One of the best ways to get a good workout in, is to do one at home. This is my routine:

• 15 jumping jacks
• 20 mountain climbers
• Go make coffee (or a yummy protein shake)
• 15 jumping jacks
• 15 lunges
• Drink coffee
• 15 push ups
• 15 squat jumps
• Check e-mails
• 15 Ab raises
• 1 min plank
• Play with the dog
• 15 pull ups
• 20 bench press
• End

Basically, you take a break when you want while getting your normal life on.

The most important thing in life is to be active, and the even more important thing is to enjoy it!

Check out options for that workout snack or drink!