Workout Makeover

Lets be honest you can get into a rut when it comes to exercising. Often we get stuck in our comfort zone and head for the same elliptical machine day after day! While all exercise is good there are two things that can happen when you do the same workout day after day the first, is Boredom; when your brain abandons your exercise routine, your body is soon to follow. The second issue is our bodies become very efficient at doing the same exercise day after day so then it takes longer and longer to burn the same amount of calories as we did at the beginning.

So if your looking to get yourself out of an exercise rut or for new ways to mix up your routine try these tips:

Sick of Running/Walking on the Treadmill: Play with the control panel. After a 5-minute warm-up, jog for 2 minutes, then walk for 2 minutes, or sprint - surprise yourself! Repeat for 20 to 30 minutes and you have your self a great interval workout. Also try placing a pair of 5 - 8 lb dumbbells beside the machine, and jump off every 3 minutes to do 1 minute of arm toners.

Sick of Working out Solo: Find a workout buddy! Working out with others can instantly help your motivation and commitment to get to the gym everyday. Walkers can find local groups and organized walks at www.ava.org; Runners should check out www.rrca.org for organized events or local groups; or check out www.craigslist.com for other locals looking for a fitness buddy! An even better option is to inspire a friend or family member to get off the couch and become one of your workout groupies.

Sick of your Workout Video: Try a video mail delivery service like Netflix or Blockbuster ! Both companies can offer thousands of fitness DVDs which will provide you with an opportunity to try lots of different types of exercises and lots of different videos, so you can find ones that are just right for you.

Sick of the Elliptical: Have you tried going in different directions? After 4 minutes at a steady pace, set the resistance to 8 and do 4 strokes forward, then do 4 strokes backward, repeating for 2 minutes before returning to your original pace for another 4 minutes - plus every time you change directions you are working your core by maintaining your balance.

Try a Class: Often it is easy to give up early or to cut our workouts short, so check out a class at your local gym or rec center. Fitness classes are a great way to get in your exercise especially if you like the idea of not having to make up your own routine; they are also great to get you motivated and to give you new ideas to incorporate into your personal workouts.

Source: Fitness Magazine http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/