5 Steps to Get Out of the Exercise Boredom Cycle - Turbo-charge Your Workout

By Stephanie Atwood

I have often told my clients that the three main elements in any exercise program are:

1. The Physical Element - you have to be able to exercise
2. The Mental/Emotional Element - You have to want to exercise
3. Logistical Element - You have to have to be organized to exercise
 
Right now, today, if you are able to exercise, and have the time to exercise, is it boredom or lack of motivation that's keeping you from getting out and doing it?
Here are 5 steps to help turbo-charge the exercise doldrums:
 
1. Put your money where your mouth is! Sign-up for an exercise program that costs money. Make that commitment by putting down enough money that you force yourself to take action because you paid for it and don't want to waste your money.
 
2. Start training for a specific goal. Find an event that you want to train for. It could be a half marathon, a 5K first race, a new venue (like a triathlon) or an improved time for a certain distance... There's nothing like a specific goal to get you up and moving.
 
3. Set a time at least every other day when you MUST be exercising. Tell yourself you can't watch TV, or read that book, or have that drink until you get in your workout.
 
4. Promise yourself something as a gift when you stick with your exercise goal. For example, for every 5 hours I exercise, I have permission to buy something new to wear.
 
5. Get a buddy involved. Talk a friend into exercising with you and promise each other that you will make each other get out!
 
One of these ideas, or possibly a combination of several of them should help to break you out of your negative cycle. When you are physically able to exercise, have made time for exercise, and know that your really do want to stay fit, give yourself a little boost to force that third element. Create that mindset for success. Your health is worth it!

Join a walking or running group to turbo-charge your workout? Stephanie Atwood is coach and founder of a women's fitness team in the Bay Area called the WOW Team (member RRCA). A teacher and trainer by profession, she is currently certified as a personal trainer with AAAI/ISM and consults on sports nutrition. Stephanie's undergraduate degree was in "experiential education" and her M.A. is in cross cultural business communications. Atwood is completing a book on women's fitness. Presently, Ms. Atwood is a Master's Runner and runs or walks almost every day. When we're moving, we're getting fit. It doesn't matter how fast we're doing it!"

Atwood is author of the weekly fitness E-zine The Weekly Pep Talk at http://www.TheWeeklyPepTalk.com and hosts the blog http://www.altbgo.blogspot.com This article, and many more are available for free reproduction if author is credited and links to the websites are kept intact. Thank you!