Why Leaning into Fun Isn’t a Waste of Time.

People often ask me what drives me to work out so hard. I usually mention the health benefits or how much it helps me mentally—and those are absolutely true. But the real answer? I just think it’s fun.

Over the last 15 years of my fitness journey, I’ve tried just about everything. Some styles bored me; others kept me hooked. I’ve learned I naturally gravitate toward workouts that keep me moving. I love a good EMOM (every minute on the minute). Burpees, pushups, squats in all their forms—I’m in my element. Lifting feels slow to me, and calisthenics can get monotonous. But when I’m in the zone, heart rate up, vibing to my hip hop playlist? That’s one of the best parts of my week.

And that’s my point: fitness should be fun.

It’s already hard enough to stay consistent. Why not make it something you actually look forward to? Set short-term goals. Race the clock. Try to beat your last time. Make it a game. Involve friends. The beautiful thing about exercise is that it comes in so many forms—rock climbing, swimming, CrossFit, dancing, hiking—it all counts.

Stop thinking of fitness as just another box to check. Make it yours. Tap into that kid-like energy. Wear cool socks. Build the playlist that gets you going. Record your workouts if you want to. Pretend you’re a Nike model. Whatever it is—own it. The only thing that matters is that you move.

The Mental Payoff

Yes, the physical benefits of working out speak for themselves. But for me, the mental gains have been just as powerful—sometimes more.

There are days when my head feels foggy, heavy, or just off. But exercising has consistently helped me push through life’s hardest moments. For example, grad school has been tough. I haven’t always felt confident or capable. But in the gym? I’ve done hard things. I’ve pushed through limits. I’ve succeeded. Those wins in the gym remind me that I’m capable of pushing through outside of it too.

Exercise has taught me that confidence is something you can build—and once you feel it in one area of your life, it can spill over into everything else.

Fun Is a Life Skill

Having fun doesn’t mean being immature, or even being social. In fact, my closest friendships were built on finding joy in the absurd, the random, and even the dark. That’s what helped us survive our tough upbringings—we knew how to laugh when life wasn’t funny.

Today, I still find joy in the little things: board games, Magic: The Gathering, hiking, reading. Simple stuff that brings me peace and a sense of play. Because here’s the thing—life doesn’t stop being stressful. We just trade one kind of stress for another as we grow. That’s why I believe fun should be intentional.

Crack jokes with your coworkers. Be the one people are happy to see walk in the room. Dance in your kitchen. Go on silly adventures with your kids. Tell wild stories with your family. Life doesn’t have to be a game—but fun can teach you things. It can help you heal, bond, grow, reflect, and reset.

A Little Challenge for You

Think back to the last time you really had fun.
Now ask yourself:

• What did it feel like—physically and emotionally?

• Who were you with?

• Where were you?

• How long did it last?

• What, if anything, did you take away from it?

Joy, even in small doses, can shift your perspective. Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we have to lose our spark.

Thanks for reading. I hope this inspires you to keep moving, keep growing, and most importantly—keep having fun. Until next time, find joy in the things that make you who you are.