8 Ways to Have Fun With Cardio

1. Find Music that Makes You MOVE

Forget the generic workout tunes...if they haven't worked yet, they won't work ever. Find music you really like that makes you want to dance. Anything! It doesn't even have to sound like workout music. If it gets you pumped and wanting to dance, you can channel that energy into cardio fuel and use it to get those lazy feet moving.

2. Phone a Friend

Cardio with a friend is usually more effective. Nobody wants to look like a whimp, so you might find your lungs lasting longer and you pushing yourself harder in order to not be the slacker. You can even place bets or compete to see who can run/bike/elliptical longer.

3. Change it Up

This goes without saying, but it needs to be said anyway. If you don't like walking, get a bike. If you don't like biking, get a boat and try your hand at rowing. (Or use the rowing machine at the gym... it's not as hard as it looks.) Learning something new is not only more interesting, but it's also a good challenge for your body because it's unfamiliar with the new activity.

4. Try Group Exercise

People will not stare at you, they will not point and laugh, and more likely than not you will be in better shape than half of the class. Group exercise classes are actually a lot of fun, especially if you can get a friend or family member to come with you. You'll be forced by peer pressure to work out a lot harder than you expected, and the session will somehow fly by.

5. Explore Your Neighbourhood

Try walking or jogging somewhere you've never been before. Learning about new shops or checking out the houses in an area you haven't seen might keep your mind occupied as your feet do their work. If you live in a sketchy neighbourhood however, this might be better with a friend.

6. Set a Reward, or Remind Yourself of the Awesomeness of Cardio

Plan a prize of some kind after you finish your workout, such as a relaxing bubble bath, or just keep reminding yourself of how great you'll feel knowing you survived the run. The endorphins will take care of that for you!

7. Podcasts

Listening to news, comedy or an audiobook can keep you entertained if you go for long cardio workouts like walks or bike rides, at a slower pace. Listening to someone talk won't keep your energy level up but if you prefer to take it slow and go for a long time, it will definitely keep you from getting bored.

8. The Small Things

If all else fails, and it turns out cardio just isn't your thing, try to sneak it into your day like your parents used to sneak broccoli into your dinner. Take the stairs every time, park your car at the far end of the lot, carry your groceries and walk everywhere you can. Double your walks with the dog, or walk with your neighbour if they have a dog and you don't. Small amounts of cardio more often is better than one long session once per day.

Once you start to appreciate the feel-good effects of keeping your body active the workouts will become that much more enjoyable, and soon enough it will escalate into an activity that you actually want to do.