Are you finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning
for your daily walk and making up excuses to skip the gym on the
way home? Even the most dedicated exercisers occasionally get
bored with their routine. Waning motivation, cutting workouts
short and not having your old enthusiasm all are signs of a
stale exercise regimen.
Quick Fix
First, evaluate your current routine to determine what really
bores you. A new variation on your favorite activity — such as
cardio-funk or kickboxing instead of step aerobics, or hoisting
free weights instead of working on machines — may be enough to
reinvigorate a stale routine.
If you’ve always worked out indoors, logging miles on a
treadmill, stairclimber or stationary bike, move your workout
outside for a welcome change of scenery. Run, hike or bike on
trails; swim in a lake or ocean.
Bigger Changes
When tweaking your routine isn’t enough, make bigger changes.
Take up an entirely new activity — especially something you
never thought you’d do. If you’ve always stuck to solitary
pursuits, sign up for a team sport, such as volleyball,
basketball or even doubles tennis. Or tackle something you’ve
always shied away from — indulge your thirst for adventure with
a rock-climbing class (start on an indoor wall, then move to the
real thing as your skills improve).
Good Company
Working out alone often is an oasis of solitude in a busy day,
but maybe you need some company. Exercise companions add a
social element to any routine. Ask a friend to be your workout
partner—you won’t skip a workout if someone is waiting for you.
Just about every sport or activity has a club; to find one,
ask around at gyms or local community centers. Keeping up with
the crowd also means you’ll be challenged to improve your
skills. Ask about organized workouts and fun runs offered by
local track clubs, as well as group rides hosted by cycling
clubs.
Challenge Yourself
Many exercisers work out simply to stay in shape, and most of
the time that’s just fine. But setting a goal, such as finishing
a 10K race or completing a rough-water swim, will give your
daily workouts more meaning.
Start by incorporating bursts of speed into your workouts.
After a gentle warm-up, alternate a fast pace with a slower one
for recovery. This can be as simple as sprinting to the next
tree, or as structured as running intervals on a track or
sprinting laps in the pool.
Add Variety
Elite triathletes pioneered the cross-training concept, and it
works for the rest of us, too. If you usually focus on one
activity, substitute another a few days a week. Ideally, any
exercise program includes elements of cardiovascular exercise,
weight training and flexibility.
New Toys
Small exercise gadgets aren't necessary, but they can make your
workouts more fun and challenging. Heart-rate monitors, aquatic
toys and safety equipment are just a few items to consider. Find
out which new training gadgets are available for your favorite
activity.
Take a Break
Sometimes you really do need time off. In that case, cut back on
your usual routine, and substitute other activities. You might
even find one that you enjoy more than your old favorites.
Once you’ve fought your first battle with boredom, you’ll
know the tricks to keep exercise from becoming too routine.
Trying new sports, new classes and new activities — and learning
how to throw a little variety into old favorites — can help you
overcome the nagging inclination to devise those creative
excuses for not working out.
