Stuck in an exercise rut

Hi Erick- I know how you feel but I'm a big believer in "Rome wasn't built in a day!". You know, 10 minutes is better than no minutes buddy. Find something you will do and do it. You body is designed to walk, run, swim or bike everyday. You don't have to give your muscles a rest in between those types of cardio activities. Finding something you will do everyday is really key.

For me, I parked a recumbant exercise bike in front of the TV in the living room and made myself a rule: before I sit on the sofa and watch TV, I will sit on the bike and pedal and watch. It might only be 10 minutes but it's something. After a few weeks, 10 minutes becomes 15 and so on. The great thing about my stationary bike is I can ride it in the rain, on a hot summer day, play my stereo or watch TV.

I also add water aerobics in the summer and other activities when I start to get bored like evening walks but... the daily ride on my bike is a must. I often dread doing it but once I have, I feel accomplished. Like I am on top of the world. It's an endorphin thing.

I encourage you to find a regular activity that you can stick with. Maybe you can add a new piece of equipment to your home gym every 6 months to a year. Start with a bike, treadmill or eliptical and then add other pices. My next piece of equipment is going to be a rower. I think it will help build my upper body and core at the same time. It will change up my work outs and give me a different activity.

Another suggestion-- start a wellness vission. Have it include things that are not just weight or physical goals but spiritual or personal things like taking an art or self defense class or maybe it's going on a trip somewhere. Your Welness Vision can be total view of what you want your life to be like and it should include the phyical self. Often, this helps you better understand why you exercise regularly and make healthy eating decisions. They fit into the overall goals you have for your life.

Good luck on your quest for personal perfection!

"if you're stuck in a rut, it's time to toss that "routine" out the window.  The body gets too used to what you're doing (like walking the same mile every day), and needs a new challenge.  I finally kicked my butt into gear by more consistently going to the gym and taking the various group classes instead of walking on the treadmill (boring) and lifting some weighs.  One class I'm taking was created by Les Miles (not sure who that is though but apparently this program is a big deal) is called "Body Pump," which is a one-hour weight lifting cardio class.  It really kicks my butt and claims to burn 600 calories per session (not sure the weight of that person to burn that much, however).  It's a very challenging and empowering class.  After taking the class for two weeks, I'm noticing I'm getting buffed arms and improved strength.  Try something new!"

Mixing up your exercise routine is a great way to not suffer as much "exercise burnout" as you would doing the same thing 5 days a week.  Plus, by dividing the exercises into two different core groups, your body has a chance to get over what you did the day before.  It's hard on muscles to stretch them out on a daily basis.  Good luck with your exercising!!!

Tammy Parker
Shelbyville, Tn
OH Leader

I combine circuit training with cardio about 3 times a week.  I am going to get back into walking as well...for another 2 times, and recently added a Zumba class one night a week.  I am hoping that, by doing all of this, I will see some changes that I haven't seen in some time.  I got kind of lazy when I joined a gym, and dropped back, but since going back to Curves for the circuit training, I am finding my desire to exercise coming back, knowing full well all of the benefits of doing it.

I try to combine my exercise with things I enjoy
I walk at the zoo and take pictures of the animal, since I am into photograpy.
I push a lawn mower instead of using the riding one. While I listen to music.

the biggest motivation I've found is pairing myself up with an exercise fanatic. They show up at my door and it's not like I can hide. I'm forced to go out and do something 3 days a week. The key to keeping it up is the variety. We bike, hike, jog, walk, garden, swim, skate... Variety really is the spice of life.

when I get into an excerise rut, I usually switch it up by taking a Zumba or Cardiodancing class to have fun and just do something different.  On the weekends, I try to find another activity than going to the gym like rollerskating, bowling, or walking my grandbaby through the park.  Its all excerise and they are all things to keep you moving and grooving and staying and feeling healthy!

I walk different places. Sometimes, I go to the track, sometimes the mall, sometimes the park. I baxically enjoy walking. Waling around the indoor track in the windter can be dull.  I meditate when I walk, if it is a dull place to walk.

Hi,

I think it is very common to become "bored" with a particular exerice program.  Finding that variety to keep it interesting is always a challenge.  I always tell my folks to do things they enjoy doing, hiking, biking, dancing or whatever their pleasure.  Try to find others who enjoy the same activity.  One thing I found helpful is starting a Meetup group through meetup.com.  Here you get people from all over your area who share similar interests.  You can plan activities and events through your group.  Give it a try.  It's worth the investment in good health.

I think you hit something with the "song and dance" - Have you considered dance classes?  It is great exercise and fun to do with your partner, if you don't have a partner, may be a good way to find one (if you are interested) - Can even do privately at home with DVD program.  All different styles too from ballroom, to country line, to Latin.  Give it a try!