Exercise Boredom/Need a Change?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Many confuse boredom or tiring of "our exercise routine" with the fact that you just may be in a rut. Maybe you are not ready to give up exercising BUT rather that you either need to make some minor changes, some major changes OR just do something completely different all together. DO NOT GIVE UP!
Over the years I have done aerobic classes; cardio machines/weights/aerobic classes; 5K's/weight training; treadmill/weight training/outside jogs; multiple cardio machines/bodybuilding/outside jogs. Now I do multiple cardio machines/interval training & HIIT/outside jog/circuit training/plyometrics/weights.
Our interests & goals change with time & what keeps us motivated changes too ... give it a try & mix it up!
Let's say you like what you are doing but you are kind of bored. Why not establish some new goals. You should have a plan going in & then adjust periodically not only to improve but to just keep up your motivation & interest. Why not set a new goal plan and work towards that. Push to the next level both in your cardio & weight training. If you are a jogger, try intervals OR try to do the same workout in a shorter amount of time OR try to go a bit longer if say you are doing just 20 minutes right now. Don't do all at once. Pick one thing & try for that. In your weight training, why not try to lift a bit heavier & less reps OR do more reps with the same amount of weight OR try new moves to keep the muscle guessing OR do circuit training. If you have the money, you may want to hire a personal trainer to help you revamp your program. If you are short on money, most community colleges & city services have less expensive classes. Go to your local library & pick up some exercise books or exercise DVD's to give you new ideas.
If you are really bored & want to stop completely, it is time to take a hard look at your exercise program & revamp the whole thing. If you are in the gym all the time, maybe it is time to take it outside OR take a kickboxing class or boot camp class OR start rollerblading or bike riding OR play soccer or softball. Just re-evaluate the whole thing & find a new activity that will spark & renew your interest in keeping active. Hey, maybe it is a dance, yoga or pilates class. Nowadays, there is every class under the sun out there & they are inventing new ones constantly! Maybe you need to get to the beach or the hills & just be outside & walk or hike. Maybe you want to swim. TAKE SOME TIME TO THINK ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU RIGHT NOW & JUST DO IT... CHANGE IT UP! There is no right or wrong as long as you keep moving & enjoy what you are doing!
If you are under a lot of stress, maybe it is time to slow down & take that yoga class or just walk outside for a while to get renewed. Again, you need to find what works for you.
Maybe you just need some company. Many studies show that having a workout buddy increases the likelihood of you sticking with it. Just make sure you have similar goals or it could be tough going. BUT, just having a friend there can keep you motivated.. don't get complacent though. Push each other!
Many confuse boredom or tiring of "our exercise routine" with the fact that you just may be in a rut. Maybe you are not ready to give up exercising BUT rather that you either need to make some minor changes, some major changes OR just do something completely different all together. DO NOT GIVE UP! Over the years I have done aerobic classes; cardio machines/weights/aerobic classes; 5K's/weight training; treadmill/weight training/outside jogs; multiple cardio machines/bodybuilding/outside jogs. Now I do multiple cardio machines/interval training & HIIT/outside jog/circuit training/plyometrics/weights.
Our interests & goals change with time & what keeps us motivated changes too ... give it a try & mix it up!
Let's say you like what you are doing but you are kind of bored. Why not establish some new goals. You should have a plan going in & then adjust periodically not only to improve but to just keep up your motivation & interest. Why not set a new goal plan and work towards that. Push to the next level both in your cardio & weight training. If you are a jogger, try intervals OR try to do the same workout in a shorter amount of time OR try to go a bit longer if say you are doing just 20 minutes right now. Don't do all at once. Pick one thing & try for that. In your weight training, why not try to lift a bit heavier & less reps OR do more reps with the same amount of weight OR try new moves to keep the muscle guessing OR do circuit training. If you have the money, you may want to hire a personal trainer to help you revamp your program. If you are short on money, most community colleges & city services have less expensive classes. Go to your local library & pick up some exercise books or exercise DVD's to give you new ideas.
If you are really bored & want to stop completely, it is time to take a hard look at your exercise program & revamp the whole thing. If you are in the gym all the time, maybe it is time to take it outside OR take a kickboxing class or boot camp class OR start rollerblading or bike riding OR play soccer or softball. Just re-evaluate the whole thing & find a new activity that will spark & renew your interest in keeping active. Hey, maybe it is a dance, yoga or pilates class. Nowadays, there is every class under the sun out there & they are inventing new ones constantly! Maybe you need to get to the beach or the hills & just be outside & walk or hike. Maybe you want to swim. TAKE SOME TIME TO THINK ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU RIGHT NOW & JUST DO IT... CHANGE IT UP! There is no right or wrong as long as you keep moving & enjoy what you are doing!
If you are under a lot of stress, maybe it is time to slow down & take that yoga class or just walk outside for a while to get renewed. Again, you need to find what works for you.
Maybe you just need some company. Many studies show that having a workout buddy increases the likelihood of you sticking with it. Just make sure you have similar goals or it could be tough going. BUT, just having a friend there can keep you motivated.. don't get complacent though. Push each other!
What changes have you made recently or over time. Any suggestions for us as to how to spice up the workout?
I get bored very easily, but this summer I'm having a blast with partner medicine ball workouts with my teenage son. But I think it's time for a heavier ball. I've got muscles, ya know.
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This is a constant struggle for me!
I found that joining a bootcamp class for cardio is a nice change of pace. But I know pretty soon I'll be dreading that too.
I just have to focus on how good I feel AFTERWARDS!
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In a few weeks the majority of the gardening season will be over, and I am going to need some motivation to "start" a program again, so can you keep me in mind for that Jody?
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I have to try and change my routine constantly, bc when I don't, I become bored! I like to challenge myself to different exercises and machines I never do and keep switching them up every so often. Right now I have been focusing on running while I train for a half marathon, and I am starting to get that rut itch! I think I may try adding some intervals to the routine.
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This is really great advice. I have to admit to kind of sticking to the same thing, but when I do change it up I'm always amazed at how different exercises work different muscle groups.
Thanks for the great post, and timely reminder!
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Josie, those partner medicine ball workouts are GREAT! Thx for mentioning!
Crabby, boot camp classes are tough & good for the bod. I am sure you will find something else to perk your interest! Plenty out there!
Patty, I have you in my thoughts!
Amanda, I am like you.. like change & the challenge. Keep us up to date on the half marathon!
Diane, I have no doubt you will change it up!
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