Are You Bored with Your Cardio Workout?
By Sara Butler
Getting into a cardio rut is no fun. After all, you’re working hard to keep your body healthy. You deserve a workout you can enjoy! If you don’t think you can face one more day on the stationary bike or treadmill, then you need to mix it up. Here are a few suggestions to help you get out of your cardiovascular exercise rut and learn to love your workout again.
Change Your Music
Many people love to crank up the tunes when working out. If it’s something you have loved while exercising, then a simple fix is to change up your music. Create a new playlist that gets you going or try a new album. Studies have shown that music is a great motivator when working out and if you’re bored at the gym, then the solution may be as simple as trying something new.
If you find that new music isn’t quite getting you out of the rut, then try the opposite -- no music at all. This might just do the trick if you’re a person who likes to exercise outside. Sometimes just listening to the wind blow through the trees or the pattern of your own breathing can make your cardio workout a transcendent experience!
Try New Equipment
You may be in a serious relationship with the elliptical machine at your gym, but sometimes a break is what you both need. If you’re bored, then simply try a new piece of equipment to help give you a different perspective. That stair stepper looks mighty lonely! Try just 10 minutes on a few different pieces of equipment and see if there’s anything that strikes your fancy.
Get Social
Perhaps up until now, you’ve viewed your workout as a solitary activity. Well, it might be time to change your tune and try a group exercise class. Find a class that’s totally new to you and show up with an open mind. You may just find something that sparks a whole new passion for your workout -- and you could meet some friends along the way!
Change Your Focus
If you’ve been focusing on just one aspect of your workout or a singular goal, then it may be time to find a new perspective. If you’ve been focusing on running more miles or burning more calories with your workout, then switch it up. Instead of thinking about your goals in terms of daily quotas, think about more long-term goals such as jogging a 5K race or participating in a sprint triathlon. Research has shown that when you have an ultimate goal to work toward with your training, then you’re less bored during a workout.
You should always challenge yourself when it comes to your workouts, otherwise, you may find yourself in a rut -- and that's not a fun place to be!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.