Bust out of a Workout Rut
By Karen J. Bannan | 7/29/2005


If you're bored with your fitness routine, try these tips from Scott
Cole, celebrity trainer and the author of Athletic Abs (Human
Kinetics, 2002).

Get Out
Whenever possible, go outside and participate in your favorite
activity al fresco, says Cole. That feeling of boredom may be from
being inside all day breathing stale air, says Cole. Try doing yoga
in the park or lifting weights in your backyard. "It's hard to be
bored when you're breathing fresh air."

Change the CD
If you suddenly start dreading your favorite class, take note: it's
probably not the activity that's boring, it's the same old
soundtrack. "Ask your instructor if she can change what she's been
playing. Or take a class with a different style of music," Cole says.
Try a Latin cardio, hip hop, jazz, or salsa class.


Mix it Up
You can make your workout more exciting by challenging your body and
your mind simultaneously. The key is to think about every movement
you take. For example, lift lighter weights but try moving through
each extension as slowly as you can. Walkers can do interval training
on the road, says Cole. Try some standing half-squats as you go
along, or stop and do some push-ups on a park bench.

Stay in the Moment
It's no wonder you get bored if you spend your workout thinking about
bills sitting at home or your project at work. Cole says you'll be
more focused if you push worries out of your mind. "If you find your
mind is wandering, take several deep breaths inhaling and exhaling
through your nose" and focus on what you're doing, he
says. "Breathing is a powerful way to soothe anxieties."

Get Dressed
You wouldn't go to a party looking frumpy but many of us don grungy
sweats and old t-shirts when we hit the gym. Bright, attractive
clothing that fits well and wicks away sweat will make you feel good
and may help you work out longer, says Cole. "When you look in the
mirror and you're inspired by what you look like, time will fly by.
You'll feel strong and positive if that's how you look."

Stretch and Stretch Again
Stretching, says Cole, is a forgotten exercise component. Be smart.
Stretch for at least five minutes after every workout. Says
Cole: "Anxiety is stored in a locked-up body. When you stretch you
release tension, and all of a sudden working out is fun again."


NEXT STEPS

Dreading your trip to the gym? Read Making Exercise Fun for tips on
having an enjoyable workout every time.


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