Cardio: Beat Exercise Boredom

Even the most enthusiastic and regular exercisers get bored. I know it is hard to believe, but we do. Just like with anything else, it is important to keep your exercise fresh and interesting. That way you're more likely to stick with it and have it become a part of your daily life.

So how do you keep from getting bored? What can you do to make exercise fun?

First, make exercise a priority. Put it at the top of your "to-do" list. Once you plan on it and incorporate it into your life as a daily or every-other-day "to-do," you're less likely to let other things get in the way. Simply, think of it like you do brushing your teeth or showering.

Try different activities. Go to the gym one day. Or try different classes at different gyms. You can pay a daily fee with no obligation at most clubs. In most areas, you can find classes in kickboxing, stationary biking, step aerobics, yoga, boot camp, body sculpting, resist-a-ball and weight training. Pick one or several -- just get out there and move.

Head outdoors. Walk, bike, run, jog, play tennis, golf, even play with your kids in the yard. There are a multitude of outdoor activities. Throw a Frisbee, fly a kite or jump on a trampoline. Get out of the house early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a break. Just remember to drink plenty of water.

Buddy up. This is probably the most effective way to stay committed to exercise and keep it consistent. When you and a friend or several friends are accountable to each other, you're less likely to back out or cancel. In fact, you're more likely to push and encourage each other to do the exercise as well as eat right.

Mix up your routine in the gym. Try different machines. Try different intensity levels and times. Do your workout in reverse order. Vary your reps and sets. Use your own body weight for different exercises. Mix it all up. Just remember to use good form and proper weights.

Join a local sports club or discover a new activity like rock climbing, underwater diving, softball or biking.

Other tricks to keeping boredom at bay, especially on cardio equipment, listen to books on tape or music, read a magazine or watch the news. Move quickly from machine to machine, but keep your reps slow and controlled.

If you walk or jog outside, try different neighborhoods or routes. Discover local trails. But don't go alone.

Still don't like to exercise and find it boring? Then take your kids or anybody's kids to a playground and do what they do. You'll definitely get your exercise.