Mornings are my sacred exercise time. I will wake up before the sun rises to get in my exercise time. I will on an invitation to a coveted prime sample sale in order to exercise first thing in the morning! Sometimes I feel like I am on “auto-pilot” in my same routine. Do I ever get bored with the same old same old? In the past, I have. So, what did I do to get out of the exercise rut?
The answer is simple: I change up my routine from time to time and it keeps me motivated! And, it’s always fun!
Here are some suggestions:
1) Try a new activity- You don’t have to pound away on the treadmill to get a good workout. Try a cardio class or boxing is fun! Or what about biking or horseback riding or tennis or golf? Use exercise as an opportunity to have new experiences with friends or solo.
2) Mix it up- You don’t have to do the same thing every day. Pick several activities you enjoy. Mix and match. The important thing is to move. Tap into your interests to keep things fresh and stay motivated. Exercise should be something you look forward to — not dread!
3) Bump up your intensity- If you really don’t enjoy long exercise sessions, then high-intensity interval training might be for you. With high-intensity interval training, you alternate between intense activity and low-to-moderate activity. Getting your heart rate to climb and then return back down over and over again can be an incredibly effective workout, even if you have less than 10 minutes to exercise. In fact, studies have shown you can get some of the same benefits from short intervals at a vigorous pace as you can from.
I believe in doing what you love and loving what you do. You only have one body- treat yourself right. Exercise to take care of your body, mind and soul.