Have you fallen into a rut with your exercise routine? Do you lack the motivation or desire to exercise when you once used to enjoy it? As it turns out, this feeling is something that many people experience at some point in their lives. This “exercise boredom” can lead to obesity as well as an unhealthy lifestyle due to the lack of exercise that an individual may experience as the result of the loss of motivation.

When you find yourself caught in “exercise boredom,” it can be hard to get out of it. However, I have compiled some tips to help you overcome this lack of motivation and bring some excitement back into your workout routine!

First off, if you have been working out solo, find a partner who you can work out with. Not only will this make your workout more fun, but it will also enable you to do some exercises that you would not have been able to do before. This can be particularly helpful when performing lifting exercises that are over the head or chest. Another benefit of having a workout buddy is that he or she can help hold you accountable to make sure you are working out regularly.

 Exercising in groups can add motivation and enjoyment to your workout.

Image Source: Thomas Barwick

Another thing you can do is incorporate things you like doing into your workout. If you hate using the treadmill because you feel that it is monotonous but love playing basketball, then play pickup games or organize games with friends as a replacement for your normal cardio routine at the gym. Not only will you be enjoying your time exercising, but you will also be more likely to exercise for a longer duration, leading to successful attainment of your fitness goals.

Finally, you should set small, attainable goals for yourself. When you set these goals, they alone can provide a motivation for you to exercise. The key is to make these goals attainable; reaching these goals will provide a deep sense of satisfaction while also motivating you to push yourself even harder. For example, if you can currently squat 100 pounds for five repetitions, setting a goal to be able to squat 100 pounds for eight repetitions is a reasonable goal.

Remember that above all, you should exercise because you enjoy it. If you begin to look at exercising as a chore, you will inevitably fall out of your routine. So, the next time you find yourself dreading the gym or that early morning run, try incorporating some of these tips!

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Suraj Dhanjani

Author Suraj Dhanjani

Suraj Dhanjani is a 2nd year Physiological Science major at UCLA. He really enjoys playing basketball as well as skateboarding. In addition, he also loves exercising and likes learning new ways to stay fit.

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