By William Weese, M.D.
Some people revel in the routine. The same workout regimen, week in and week out, fits them to a T.
But, for others, monotony's a ticket to boredom — and the next stop may be exercise burnout. And, when the spark is gone, it's all too easy to go from ho-hum to lazy bum.
Are you feeling less than jazzed about your regular workouts? It may be time to shake things up a bit. Here are five stay-inspired strategies to try:
1. Tweak it a touch
For instance, if you usually walk, add a few minutes of jogging or stair climbing. Or, on days when you strength train, try doing your exercises in a different order than usual. For a change of scenery, move your workouts outdoors — weather permitting. Run, hike or bike on a trail.
2. Be a tedium-free twosome
Recruit a friend to join you on your fitness quest. A workout buddy can motivate you — and help keep boredom at bay.
3. Pursue something new
You might try your hand — and feet — at kickboxing, spinning or circuit training classes. Or, maybe tap into your team spirit and join a volleyball, soccer or softball league.
4. Make it a pleasure
You know what you enjoy. Maybe you can pair it with activity. Love music? Shake it at salsa, hip-hop — or ballroom dancing. Or, perhaps, you're a literature buff. Download an audio book — and pedal your stationary bike through twists in the plot.
5. Reach for a goal
How about signing up for a local 5K race? Or, perhaps pledge to get in all your workouts for two weeks. Hold yourself to it — then reward yourself, too. Maybe you'd love a quiet afternoon curled up with a good book. Or, keep the incentive going by making your prize new workout clothes or gear.
One caution as you get moving: For safety's sake, talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level.
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