4 Ways to Make Your Workouts More Enjoyable

For many of us, hitting the gym is the best part of the day, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have days, weeks, or even months of dreading, dragging, and just generally disliking our workouts. When those plateaus hit, it’s easy to get discouraged and let your goals slip away, but fitness doesn’t have to become a monotonous part of your routine. 

To inject a dose of joy into your workouts, we asked fitness trainer Marcellus Holley what he does to keep his workouts light, humorous and enjoyable. Holley’s Instagram is full of gym humor and uplifting workout videos, so we figured he was just the guy for the job. Ready to see what he suggests? Let’s dive in and get your workouts feeling more fun. 

1. Mix up your music

It’s been scientifically proven that the music you listen to during a workout can impact your performance, so it’s important to play music that’s going to hype you up, not bring you down. 

Holley suggests having a “playlist of your favorite songs that get you moving” to help make your workouts more enjoyable. You can also switch up your playlists based on your workouts to avoid listening to the same songs every single time. Pre-made playlists are also a great way to liven things up when you don’t have the energy or desire to pick each song, one by one. 

2. Don’t go it alone 

Going to the gym alone, especially if you’re just starting out, can feel intimidating, overwhelming, and sometimes just a little bit boring. Holley recommends having “a workout partner or accountability buddy” to encourage you to not only get to the gym but also to lighten things up once you’re there. 

Not only can a workout partner help bring more laughs and encouragement to the table, but having a training buddy has been statistically proven to increase your chances of reaching your goals – a 65% increase, in fact. That number jumps even higher, to 95%, if you commit to regular accountability meetings to check in on your goals. If you don’t have a friend, partner, or family member that wants to join in, having a personal trainer or fitness coach can be just as helpful. 

Holley also suggests a fitness planner like this one if you don’t feel comfortable, or aren’t able, to train with another person. Something like the Mindful Fitness Planner can help you stay organized, track your progress, and “cultivate mindfulness on your fitness journey,” he says.  

3. Don’t take yourself too seriously

“The gym is a playground for adults,” says Holley. “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Let loose, dance a little in between sets, and enjoy the time you’re there,” he recommends. 

There’s nothing wrong with being serious about wanting to see results and crush your training, but learning to enjoy the process will only lead to more success over time. “We’ve all heard the saying “trust the process,” but I think it’s equally important to “enjoy the process,” Holley says. “If you enjoy working out, and you make it fun for yourself, it’ll be easier to stick with it, and you’ll actually look forward to it.” 

4. Dedicate time to your workouts 

It can feel difficult, if not impossible, to let loose and have fun when you’re crunched for time or stressed about getting your workout done. One way Holley recommends combating this is to “prioritize the gym in your schedule so you’re not rushed or distracted.” 

Just like you would a meeting or appointment, schedule out time for your workouts. It’s not selfish to prioritize time just for you. Your health is important, and if you can dedicate an hour a day to improving your body and mind, that’s time well spent. 

Want more from Marcellus Holley? Follow him @justcellus, and visit his website to learn more about him and his offering. 

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