Let’s be honest—if the word “exercise” makes you groan and mentally fast-forward to a never-ending series of boring, painful reps, you’re not alone. For a lot of us, the thought of hitting the gym or doing another round of burpees isn’t exactly thrilling. But here’s a thought: What if exercise didn’t have to be some dreaded task? What if, instead, it was something you actually looked forward to? Believe it or not, finding joy in exercise is possible, and it starts with discovering activities that genuinely make you happy. It’s time to forget the rules about what a “workout” should look like and focus on what makes you feel good.

First things first—ditch the idea that only a hardcore gym session or a five-mile run counts as “real” exercise. Exercise can be anything that gets your body moving and your heart pumping, and if it leaves you smiling or feeling a little lighter at the end, you’re doing it right. Maybe it’s dancing in your living room to your favorite ‘80s playlist, or maybe it’s going on a brisk walk around your neighborhood while you catch up on a podcast. Those moments of movement are as real and beneficial as anything you’d do at the gym. Exercise doesn’t have to be about punishment or burning off calories; it can be something you truly enjoy, something that becomes a part of your day you actually look forward to.

For a lot of people, the “Aha!” moment comes when they try something completely different from what they thought exercise was supposed to be. Maybe you’ve spent years assuming that exercise meant treadmills and weights, only to find out you’re way happier rock climbing, swimming, or paddleboarding. If you’ve never tried something like dancing, hiking, or kickboxing, consider giving it a go. Sometimes, discovering an activity that doesn’t feel like “exercise” opens up a whole new world of fitness. Take a look around at the options that are out there; you might surprise yourself.

And here’s a big one: social exercise. Some of us need a little push, a reason beyond just fitness to get moving. Exercise can become a lot more enjoyable when it’s tied to a social activity. Joining a group fitness class, a weekend hiking group, or even just meeting up with a friend for a brisk walk can change everything. Not only are you adding some activity to your day, but you’re also building connections, and let’s be real—that accountability can make a huge difference. Plus, you’ll probably laugh a lot more than you would if you were just running solo on a treadmill.

The mental shift to finding joy in exercise often also comes down to easing up on yourself. We live in a culture that’s obsessed with “no pain, no gain,” which leads us to believe that unless we’re exhausted, dripping sweat, and barely standing at the end, we haven’t done it “right.” But joy doesn’t come from pushing yourself to the brink—it comes from moving in a way that feels good. On some days, that might be a fast-paced bike ride; on others, it might just be a gentle yoga flow that lets you stretch and breathe. Let your mood and energy guide you; your body will thank you.

Maybe it’s a shift in mindset that’s needed, or maybe it’s exploring a few options to find that one activity that lights you up. Take the pressure off of needing to have an intense, regimented workout and allow yourself to explore, to experiment, and to enjoy. The best workout is the one you’ll actually do because you love it, not because you feel obligated to check it off a list. And the beauty of this approach is that it’s sustainable. When you love what you’re doing, exercise stops feeling like a chore and becomes something you want to keep doing, day after day, week after week.

So here’s the takeaway: exercise can be joyful, but only if you make it yours. Forget the fitness gurus telling you what you “should” do. Instead, focus on what brings a smile to your face, gets you moving, and makes you feel alive. Rediscover what it means to move your body in ways that make you feel good, and watch as it changes not just your fitness but also your perspective.