Pretending to be your D&D character makes working out a lot more engaging

polygon.com:

Going into 2024, I’m doing something I never thought I’d do in my life: I learned how to love working out.

Skeptics like my yoga-instructor sister may not believe me, but it’s true! I spent a lot of 2023 actually looking forward to planning workouts and heading to the gym. I used to get massive anxiety at the idea of working out in a public place, but now I confidently move from the machines to the free-weight racks, without second-guessing about whether I belong there, or whether I’m doing something wrong.

All it took was a small hack: I started pretending I’m one of my D&D characters whenever I work out.

Even before I made this connection, I did try to put a bit of a nerdy spin on my workouts to make them more enjoyable, whether it was going to the gym in an N7 tank top or titling my cardio playlist “training for the hunter exam!” Watching Haikyuu!!! helped me appreciate my time as a competition swimmer more than I ever had before, and I’ve generally been more open to fitness as a hobby now that I’ve realized it doesn’t have to be in polar opposition to my nerdier interests.

But what really solidified my newfound passion for working out — an enthusiasm I’m carrying into the new year — was a little light roleplaying. I don’t head into the gym in full LARP gear, but when you regularly tap into the headspace of a character who’s physically fit enough to shoot an arrow at a homebrew monster while running up the side of a wall, making the connection between D&D and physical activity comes easier.

It started simply enough. While doing a low row at the gym, I glanced in the mirror and saw that the way my arms moved kinda reminded me of pulling back a bow’s drawstring. Disclaimer: I’ve never actually shot an arrow, so this