Staying Active: Beating Exercise Boredom
Make physical activity work for you!

Feel like there are a million reasons to skip being physically active? Everyone gets bored with their routine after a while. And let's face it, life gets in the way of our plans sometimes.

Here are some ideas to help you get excited about working out again!

•  Schedule It! If physical activity is important to you, schedule it like everything else.

•  Take a Trip! Give yourself a challenge such as "I'm going to walk to Florida" and figure out how many miles you'd have to walk to reach that goal. Now do it!

•  Get Creative! If you have been using a workout video at home, try a new one or make up your own routine to music. Record a good mix tape/CD that motivates you and listen to it while you walk.

•  Switch it Up! If you're used to only doing one activity, switch to another activity once a week. Instead of walking, get on a bike.

•  Go Window Shopping! If it's really hot outside, walk fast through the mall a couple times, or do a dozen laps inside the local grocery store.

•  Try Something New! The local community center or YMCA may offer yoga or spinning classes. Ask about discounts if you can't afford it.

•  Make it Family Time! Race your kids on the stationary bike by taking turns to see who can go the furthest in a half hour. Or have your family challenge a friend's family to a game of basketball.

•  Take a Break! At work, ask a friend to join you for a fast-paced walk before lunch. Or climb up and down the stairs for 10 minutes.

•  Keep a Record! Keep an activity log to see your progress. It can be very motivating to read over your accomplishments.

•  Find an Exercise Buddy! A friend or partner can help keep you moving and motivated.

 

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University of Maryland
Eat Smart, Be Fit, Maryland!
Public Health Informatics
FSNEP
Maryland Cooperative Extension