How to Eliminate Boredom While Exercising

I believe boredom is one of the main reasons people quit exercising or don't exercise as much. Today with all the entertainment available there should be no excuse to be bored, but still many are because they don't take the time to find a way to fight the boredom. Over the years I've found a lot of different ways to keep my exercising from becoming boring and not only do they work well but I get some extra work done and some reading or watching TV that I might not have gotten done otherwise. For instance when I visit my sister and use her exercise bike there is no access to TV or computer but she does have a view of the mountains and wildlife that live in her backyard. At night I really have to force myself to finish my ride if I don't have something to take my mind off the riding besides my Walkman.

Below you'll learn about some of the things other exercisers and I do to fight boredom while exercising:

Get a Walkman or similar portable listening device so you can listen to music, listen to motivational tapes, learn a foreign language, etc. This can be used when you are doing everything in your workout from walking to lifting weights.

Have a number of different routes to keep from being bored while walking, running or biking. Go to interesting places like the beach, lake, park or even the mall if walking.

Find a exercising buddy to work out, run, walk or bike with you. Having someone to talk to will make the time go faster and will keep your boredom level within check. Taking your dog along will also keep you more alert.

I also find that watching a ball game on TV or something that I recorded earlier along with videos and movies is a great way to pass the time when working out by myself.

I've got my laptop next to where I do my weight training and between sets I check my email, research and read information I've downloaded previously. I can also access the computer when I ride my stationary bike.

Reading books, magazines or the newspaper while you're on the treadmill and stationary bike is also a good use of the time and will keep you from being bored.

Try to place your workout area in front of a window with a view, especially one that has wildlife or people engaging in activities which will distract you from the tedium of exercise.

Meditation is great when working out as you can focus on your body and clear your mind. Your movements and form will become more defined and sharper. You'll discover that exercising your body and your mind at the same time is very beneficial.

I've also found that talking on the phone using a hands free setup is a good way to make the time pass more quickly and my friends and family (especially my mother) appreciate my taking time to talk with them at length.

My wife also appreciates the fact that I can't escape if she decides she would like to talk to me. Seriously, it is a good time to talk to the family if you're home or to other people while at the gym and it will make the time fly.

Working out is a great time to brainstorm. I do a lot of thinking during the workout and use a small tape recorder to record my thoughts. With more blood going through your brain it just might help you find a solution to a problem.

Mixing up your work out routine is a good way to relieve boredom. Taking a break in working with weights to ride your stationary bike, treadmill or aerobics is a good way to keep it fun.

Join a gym or YMCA to beat the boredom. Most of them have all kind of neat machines to alternate your work out on. There are usually a lot of people to talk to also.

These are some of the ways to eliminate boredom while working out and I'm sure you can think of even more. Now you don't have to worry about being bored any longer and can work out longer and more effectively.