Are you bored of going through the same workout routine day after day? Then let’s spice things up and make working out exciting again!

When the going gets tough, make it fun!

I usually reach this point when I’ve been working out hard to reach a certain level of fitness, and the routine isn’t hard to get through. When it stops being a challenge I find myself thinking “Another 20 minutes to go. I’m bored. I want to do something else!”…

But I know you have to stick to an exercise routine to really reap the benefits from it. Although variety is good, you have to be consistent too. So I’m always looking for new ways to make my exercise routine fun.

Tip 1: Try a New Beat

If you’re not taking advantage of the miracle of music, it’s high time you did! Nothing can help you get through a workout better than music.

But after a while not even your favorite tracks have what it takes to keep you entertained. So when this happens it’s time for a change! Radically change the music you’re listening to! I’m sure there are other kinds of music you enjoy a lot, but you don’t usually listen to. Maybe classical music, Italian, Greek, Latin music?  Change the beat! Try country, Elvis, the Beatles… I know they’re old, but for you they’re new enough to get you through your next workout!

Tip 2: Play With Tempo and Order

Play around with your routine. Respect the warm-up and cool-down sequences, but mix the rest. Create your own variations. You’re exercising the same muscles, but you’re also being creative.

Also try changing the tempo. For example, run faster, but for a shorter amount of time. Just make sure to cover the distance you normally would. Or do your leg lifts really really slow. You’ll feel the burn! I promise!

Tip 3: Change the Scenery

If you’re a runner, go running somewhere else! I know it’s a lot more convenient to follow the route you do every time, but at least run the track in the other direction (if you’re not bothering other runners!) You’ll be amazed how different it feels if you have gotten used to the same route every time!

If you go to the gym you should consider changing the gym for a months and then returning. This is also a great chance to socialize and make new friends. When the month is over, you’ll be really excited to see your gym buddies from your usual gym and it will be exciting again!

Tip 4: Audio Entertainment

If you have an iPod or any kind of mp3 player, you can upload anything on it! There’s no way you can’t find an audio book interesting enough to take your mind off the work out. This is how I read all my books for school now! And this is how a friend of mine learned German in the gym! Pick the topic you are most interested in and search for a good audio book!

If you’re on the treadmill for example, you can even watch a movie on your wide screen iPod or iPhone. Or a standup comedy show! Or episodes of your favorite shows! I did Pilates on all Sex and the City episode and all the seasons of Friends! And I never got bored once!

Another word of advice: It’s a lot easier to exercise on TV series and sitcoms than on movies. You get to know the characters and somehow you link them to your workout routine. Also, episodes are shorter than movies and it’s easier to schedule your workout routine according to them.

Tip 5: Use Imagination to Make Workouts Interesting

When I don’t have an iPod or beautiful scenery to keep me entrained, I let my thoughts drift away. To do this, you have to stop focusing on the exercise itself. You don’t need to occupy all your thoughts with it to be able to do it.

Once you cleared your mind just get lost in your thoughts. There’s so much you have to think about, isn’t there? Maybe your mind is on gossip or maybe you’re trying to come up with a brilliant solution for a work problem. Just focus on your chosen topic and before you know it, you’ve finished your workout routine!

Thanks go out to Rob for suggesting this topic. Your opinions matter! Please leave your comments below.