Advantage Newsletter - January 2009

Keeping Workouts Fresh and Fun

Keeping Workouts Fresh and Fun Who doesn’t want to start the new year off on the right foot? Many people establish New Year’s resolutions, and one of the most popular resolutions year after year has to do with increasing activity level and being heart-healthy on a regular basis. Motivation is high when the new year begins, but after a month or so passes, the initial enthusiasm may diminish due to time constraints, fatigue, or possibly even boredom. Here are ways to spice up your workouts and keep your motivation level in check:
  1. Find a walking buddy. It’s proven that working out, whether it’s walking, biking, or yoga, with a friend helps people stick with their plan. Working out with someone else also helps the time pass quickly, which makes working out seem easier and more tolerable.

  2. Skip the elevator and take the stairs. Taking the stairs will give your heart rate just the jolt it needs to provide you with quick bursts of energy. Not only are the stairs good for you physically, but they’re good for you mentally—the increased circulation stimulates brain activity.

  3. Aim for hills and mix up the terrain. When you add variations such as hills and different terrains to your workouts, you change the dynamic of your workout, in a good way. You use different sets of muscles, plus there are more intense moments in your session, providing you with greater benefits. The change in scenery also helps to keep the workouts fresh.

  4. Make cleaning a fun, energy-booster. Combining a workout and cleaning activity is a great way to accomplish multiple tasks at one time, plus the outcome is greater. Put on your workout gear, turn up your favorite tunes, and vacuum to get your blood pumping. The combination of the activities will make both more enjoyable.

Exercising variety in your workout routines will keep you motivated and on track, and as a result, make burn-out easy to avoid!