Reward Your Fitness Habit with Fun: 10 Ways to Build Consistency and Actually Enjoy It

Consistency is the not-so-secret sauce in fitness, especially as we age. But let’s be honest: no one sticks with something they don’t enjoy. If it’s boring or punishing, motivation evaporates fast. Why suffer? Make working out fun!

Whether you want to feel strong at 70, play pickleball at 80, or garden at 90 without pain, movement is your ticket. Here’s how to make it something you crave instead of something you avoid.

Photo by Joan Azeka on Unsplash

10 Ways to Make Exercise Fun (and Consistent)

1. Pick a cardio exercise you actually like.
Forget the treadmill if you hate it. I love walking my dog and rowing. Start with 5 minutes and build. Your joints will thank you for doing something they can handle. 20-30 minutes a day, up to six days a week, is a sweet spot. Always take a day of rest. You can move, but don’t work as hard as the other days.

2. Count NEAT movement as a win.
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) includes all the little things: stairs, walking while talking, dancing in your kitchen. These “incidental” movements add up.

3. Find your strength training groove.
Maybe it’s yoga, Pilates, or dumbbells. Try everything—from kettlebells to battle ropes—and stick with what keeps you curious and coming back. Strength training is non-negotiable as we age.

4. Temptation-bundle.
Pair movement with something you love. Only watch your favorite guilty-pleasure show while you're on the treadmill. Only listen to your audiobook while walking. It’s science-backed motivation recommended by behavioral economist Katy Milkman. (Did you know I used to be an economist?)

5. Find a buddy (two- or four-legged).
Social accountability works. Join a Zoom class, find a pickleball group, or adopt a walking pup. Heck, I know people who walk their cats. Companionship is rewarding.

6. Make it an adventure.
Beach walks, museum strolls, outdoor yoga, a disco in your den. Novelty keeps your brain and body engaged.

7. Mix it up.
Routines work—until they don’t. Try new sequences, new classes, new tools. Boredom kills momentum.

8. Gamify it.
Fitness tracker goals, personal challenges (10 squats per TV break!), brushing-your-teeth balance drills, sticker charts—it’s fun and effective.

9. Dress the part.
Feel good in your gear. Channel a backup dancer, superhero, or Zen goddess. You’re showing up for yourself—why not make it feel and look good?

10. Celebrate!
Gold stars, fancy coffee, playlists, new hats—reward yourself. You’re not just exercising. You’re investing in the future you. And she’s grateful.

Final Thoughts:

Fitness over 40 is different—but it’s also deeply rewarding. Your body still adapts, still improves, still grows stronger. You just need to show up consistently and find your flavor of fun.

The real prize? Living independently, confidently, and joyfully—at 60, 70, 80 and beyond.

👉 Want help making movement fun again? Join my free community for masterclasses, accountability, and good company. Or try out my Mighty Fit Formula for a guided, flexible approach.