“When I know it’s time to work out, I have to drag myself off the couch and force my body to start moving. As I lace up my tennis shoes, I already start thinking about what’s on my schedule when I’m done! I have no energy or excitement, and working out feels like a dreaded chore.”
Does this ever sound like you?
If you often get bored during your workouts, you’re not alone. However, this doesn’t mean you are lazy or unmotivated. It doesn’t mean you don’t see the value in physical activity. All it means is that you may need a few new ideas to spice things up! It’s time to do a little experimenting.
Bored with Exercise? Add Some Extra Spark
Idea #1: Train for an Event
Training for a fitness event is a great way to stay consistent with exercise and be held accountable. Most people feel more motivated to work out when they have a tangible goal in front of them. It’s also personally rewarding to see how your body is progressing in fitness. There are several different events you can train for:
- 5K or 10K race
- Half or full marathon
- Cycling race
- Triathlon
- Adventure race
- Duathlon (running + biking)
- Half or full Ironman
Idea #2: Add a Balance Challenge
As we age, balance becomes more and more important for good posture, bone health and preventing falls. Adding a balance challenge to your workout is a great way to increase the difficulty as it requires the use of more core muscles. Try standing on one leg while doing simple exercises like a bicep curl, or do squats and lunges on a BOSU Balance Trainer.
Idea #3: Try a Group Fitness Session
Working out alongside others is fun, motivating, and a great source of accountability. It’s also a great way to get tips and pointers for improving your performance. Try signing up for a group class such as yoga, spin, dance aerobics or boot camp. You can also try a neighborhood fitness group that meets a couple times a week. Look for these groups using local Facebook pages, community center postings and word of mouth.
Idea #4: Think Like a Kid
Exercise can be fun! Think beyond the boring structure of some workouts and go outside the box. If you have kids, get active with them on the playground and embrace your inner child. Or, invite some friends over for a cookout and play yard games such as tag football or a relay race.
Idea #5: Try Commuting or Running Errands by Bike
Biking is a cardio workout as well as a resistance-based workout. If you live close to where you work, try biking to work every once in a while if you can. Or, try biking to do a few errands like picking up paper towels or going to the bank.
Idea #6: Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
This idea will keep things fresh and challenge you to grow. If you’re used to working out in your home gym, try a group dance class at your local gym. If you are an avid walker, take a dip in the pool instead and go for a swim. If you primarily do cardio exercise, take it up a notch and throw some resistance-based exercises into your routine with a few props or pieces of equipment.
Want more tips for sparking up your workout routine so you don’t get bored? This article from The Obesity Action Coalition has some helpful ideas.
