Workout Boredom Busters

Sick of going to the gym? Tired of the same old workout routine? If you are trying to lose weight with exercise, consistency matters more than anything. A single butt-busting workout is great, but it won’t matter in the end if you aren’t regularly completing your sessions.

To recommit, re-energize and see weight loss results, use these workout boredom busters to add a little spice to your routine. Not only will you make your workouts more fun, but when you try new exercise formats, you use new muscles, increase your level of fitness and potentially burn more calories.

Ways to Beat Workout Boredom

1. Put together a new playlist. Use one of these popular playlists. Websites like Run Hundred or podcasts from DJs like Gareth Emery can help you find new music that gets your heart pumping.
2. Use new equipment. Always on the elliptical? Try the treadmill. Sick of jogging? Do a bike workout. If you're not familiar with a cardio machine at the gym, ask a trainer how to use it. You might be surprised at how quickly a new machine can boost your heart rate.
3. Do a cardio circuit. Once you are familiar with every piece of equipment in your health club, combine time on each machine for a cardio circuit. Choose 3 or 4 machines and spend 10 to 15 minutes on each one. Move quickly between machines to keep your heart rate elevated.
4. Challenge your balance. Try functional training to lose weight. This form of exercise challenges your stability and prepares you to be more efficient during your daily calorie burning activities. 
5. Do a cardio strength circuit. Burn more calories in less time by sprinkling one or two weight training exercises between 7-10 minute sessions of cardio. A 45-minute cardio strength circuit can effectively work your entire body.
6. Use your body weight. Can’t make it to the gym? Do body weight exercises at home. Body weight workouts raise your heart rate and build muscle at the same time.
7. Play treadmill games. There are dozens of way to make treadmill walking or running in place more fun. My favorite? A workout I invented called The Game of Ten. After a warm-up, change the speed and elevation on the treadmill every 2 minutes so that the combined total is always 10. For example, walk at a pace of 3 mph and an elevation of 7. If reaching the number 10 is too hard, start with a lower number and challenge yourself to raise it each time you play the game.
8. Play Simon Says. Grab a friend and take turns doing each other’s favorite exercises. Include both cardio and strength training for at least 40 minutes.
9. Lift more weight. It’s easy to get in a rut when you lift weights. If you can do 10-12 repetitions of your current strength exercise, decrease the number of repetitions and add more weight.  
10. Do a housecleaning workout. Is your house a little messy? Burn calories while you tidy up with a housecleaning workout. Get flatter abs, tighter thighs and burn calories without leaving your home.
11. Take a class. Learn a new skill, meet new people, step out of your comfort zone and try a new form of exercise!
12. Climb stairs. No access to cardio equipment in your home or office? That’s no excuse to skip your workout. Climb stairs. You’ll burn mega calories and shape a firm butt in the process.
13. Create a Tabata series. Haven’t heard of it? It’s part math problem, part high-intensity interval training. Try the super short Tabata workout for great fat burning results. 
14. Make a new friend. Find gym buddy who can offer support and hold you accountable if you don’t show up. Approach someone that you see during your normal workout time so that you can coordinate schedules.
15. Hire a trainer. Many gyms offer a complimentary session. But even if you have to pay for it, a single session with a qualified trainer can be a smart investment. Use the session to get ideas for ways to improve your routine. On a budget? Learn to be your own personal trainer and use the same coaching techniques the pros use.
16. Stretch! Even the smartest exercisers forget to stretch. Flexibility training is important if you want to keep your body supple and free from injury. Grab a mat and take 20 minutes to move your joints through a complete range of motion. Not sure what to do? Use your session with the trainer to get ideas.

A Word From Verywell

Remember that consistency is key but getting into a rut isn’t good either. Keep your body in good shape by mixing things up at the gym. Challenge yourself with new class formats, new equipment, and new friends to lose weight and keep it off.