Treat Yourself Fitness
Combining Exercise with Indulgence
Who says fitness has to be all about sweat and sacrifice? The perfect way to stay active while enjoying life’s little indulgences is by combining fitness with your favorite treats. Imagine running to your favorite coffee shop, biking to brunch, or stopping for a smoothie after an intense workout session. It’s all about finding joy in the journey while treating yourself along the way. So, get ready to sweat, smile, and savor some delicious rewards—this is your Treat Yourself Fitness Experience.
Set Your Fitness Goals with a Twist
The idea here is to get moving in a fun, active way while rewarding yourself with a treat you love. Here’s how to break it down into exciting and creative combinations:
Run to Get Coffee
How It Works: Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement on a morning jog to your favorite coffee spot. Whether you prefer a classic espresso, iced latte, or a cozy cappuccino, the reward of a warm drink will fuel you for the rest of the day.
Why It’s Fun: You get a great workout, and your favorite coffee shop is a perfect motivation to keep going. Plus, nothing beats sipping on a freshly brewed coffee while soaking in the sense of accomplishment from your run.
Resources: Find a local café that you’ve been dying to try or one that’s just far enough to make the run a worthy challenge.
Bike to Brunch
How It Works: Grab your bike, plan a route to a nearby brunch spot, and enjoy the ride! Whether it’s a classic avocado toast, a stack of pancakes, or eggs benedict, your brunch will taste even better after a refreshing bike ride.
Why It’s Fun: The morning ride helps you wake up, and biking to brunch with your partner or friends makes the treat even sweeter. A leisurely cycling session through the city or countryside can also turn into a scenic adventure.
Resources: Use bike trails or apps like Komoot to find safe, bike-friendly routes in your area. Pair the outing with a local café or a hidden gem of a brunch spot.
Grab a Smoothie After the Gym
How It Works: After your gym session, head straight to your favorite smoothie shop for a post-workout treat. Pack it with protein, greens, or your favorite fruits—it’s the perfect way to nourish your body after a great workout.
Why It’s Fun: You’ll feel good both inside and out. The refreshing smoothie will be your reward for giving your best effort in the gym.
Resources: Look for smoothie places near you that offer a variety of healthy add-ins like protein powder, almond butter, or chia seeds. If you're a DIY kind of person, make your own smoothies at home with ingredients from the farmer’s market or grocery store.
Hike to a Scenic Picnic
How It Works: Pack your favorite snacks or even a pre-packed picnic and head out on a hiking trail. Once you reach the scenic spot, you can relax and enjoy your treats while soaking in the views.
Why It’s Fun: The sense of accomplishment from a hike mixed with the reward of an outdoor picnic can’t be beat. The journey becomes the destination when the hike leads to deliciousness.
Resources: Find a nearby hiking trail using AllTrails or Hiking Project. Prepare a picnic basket with easy-to-carry items like fresh fruit, sandwiches, granola, or even a chilled bottle of wine.
Walk to Ice Cream
How It Works: Take a leisurely walk through your neighborhood or park and make it to your favorite ice cream shop for a delicious cone or sundae.
Why It’s Fun: Walking makes it feel like the ice cream is the ultimate reward. Plus, you’ll feel less guilty about indulging in something sweet when you’re walking there!
Resources: Choose a local ice cream shop that offers unique flavors or seasonal specials. If you’re into healthy alternatives, opt for frozen yogurt, sorbet, or dairy-free options.
Rollerblade to a Bakery
How It Works: Strap on your rollerblades and glide to a nearby bakery that’s known for its decadent pastries or artisanal bread. Enjoy a croissant, muffin, or an indulgent cinnamon roll as your sweet reward.
Why It’s Fun: Rollerblading offers a unique, low-impact cardio workout that’s easier on your joints than running while still giving you a solid workout.
Resources: Use a fitness tracker to check your mileage as you roll to your destination. Seek out local bakeries or patisseries for authentic, fresh-baked goods.
Swim to a Poolside Bar
How It Works: If you’re near a pool or beach, swim a few laps before heading to a poolside bar or beach café to grab a refreshing drink, whether it’s a tropical cocktail or fresh juice.
Why It’s Fun: After a few laps in the water, you’ll have earned a cool, refreshing treat that makes the whole day feel like a mini-vacation.
Resources: Look up local community pools or beach resorts for access to open swimming areas. Many places offer poolside cabanas and fresh drink menus.
Yoga and Tea
How It Works: Start your day with a morning yoga session, either at home or at a local studio. Afterward, head to a nearby tea house for a calming tea selection and maybe some pastries.
Why It’s Fun: The relaxation from yoga pairs perfectly with a mindful, soothing cup of tea. It’s a full-body wellness experience that nurtures both your mind and body.
Resources: Search for local tea houses that offer a variety of organic or wellness teas. You could also join a group yoga class through apps like YogaWithAdriene or at your local studio.
Run to a Bookstore Café
How It Works: Run or jog to your local bookstore and treat yourself to a coffee or tea while browsing new books or magazines.
Why It’s Fun: The peaceful atmosphere of a bookstore café is perfect for unwinding after a run, and you can leave with a fresh read to enjoy on your downtime.
Resources: Check out independent bookstores or larger chains like Barnes & Noble that often have cafes and a cozy vibe for you to relax and sip your reward.
Stair Climb and Wine Tasting
How It Works: Find a staircase or a set of hills in your city and climb them for a solid cardio workout. Afterward, reward yourself with a glass of wine or a tasting session at a nearby vineyard or wine bar.
Why It’s Fun: You’ll feel like you’ve earned that glass of red or white wine after your intense stair climb. Plus, wine tasting is a fun experience in itself!
Resources: Research local wineries or wine bars that offer tastings. Many places even have scenic terraces where you can enjoy your post-workout drink.
Step 2: Plan Your Day and Create the Full Experience
To make your Treat Yourself Fitness Experience even more exciting, consider adding these elements to your day:
Create a Playlist: Build a workout playlist with your favorite upbeat tracks to keep you energized during your exercise.
Invite a Friend or Partner: These activities are more fun when you share them with someone! Plan a day out with a friend, partner, or family member.
Mix and Match: Why not combine two activities? Run to a smoothie shop, bike to a coffee bar, or do yoga in the park before heading to a bookstore café.
Track Your Progress: Use a fitness app or smartwatch to track your steps, distance, and calories burned. Celebrate your progress when you reach your treat!