In 2012, a review published by the International Revue of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that listening to upbeat music trains people’s mind into thinking they’re working less, hence they end up putting in more effort for a longer period of time.
In short, it’s best to play around with your perceived exertion, because lowering it will likely cause you to work out harder, longer, and without paying attention to how much you sweat. Have fun while you’re exercising, and you’re more than likely to stick it out.
You might ask yourself, how else can I lower my perceived exertion? Try getting creative if you’re a runner. A 2014 New York University study found that when racers fixated their eyes on a target straight in front of them, they perceived the finish line to be closer, and this made their trek easier. Those same individuals also finished the race 23 percent faster.
Another somewhat hilarious study conducted by the UK’s Northumbria University found that when guys work out in the presence of a female onlooker, their perceived exertion drops. The opposite, however, tends to happen when that onlooker is a male. Hence, it might not be the worst idea to make your significant other your workout buddy.
Essentially, one of the simplest ways to torch the lbs (or at least inches) is to do something you enjoy. Here’s a list of activities that can burn as many as 1,000 calories quickly, and before you realize it:
Dancing
Nothing gets your heart pumping like an effective dance workout. In fact, a variety programs like Zumba have become the go-to activities for those who want to get in shape, shake their bodies, and have a little fun.
Basketball
Basketball requires fast, intense movement. You may find yourself running intervals for hours. Simultaneously, quick directional changes work your abductors and adductors (a benefit that is usually missed at the gym). This sport also improves your overall coordination.
Biking
Biking in the elements, specifically “mountain biking” forces you to work your glutes, quads, core, and back harder than you ever will on a stationary bike. Besides, the scenery is usually much more interesting and exciting.
Football
It’s one of the most intense sports that hones your speed and agility, and requires quick bursts of energy and explosive movements that burn calories and build muscle. Don’t just watch it this season, get in the game.
Swimming
Swimming has all around benefits, and can be enjoyed in different ways. Swimming burns a ton of calories by keeping your body temperature at a level that requires a great deal of energy. Diving, sometimes called “the lazy man’s sport” can burn as many calories as jogging. Doing a beach dive can be even more effective because you burn calories walking down to the beach, while carrying equipment.