For a lot of people, their cardio routine is a dreaded task. It is that time of the day when we try to make excuses to not be doing it. “I haven’t got time” or “I’m not really in the mood” etc. We all have our off days when we simply don’t want to run or cycle so I have written this article to give you some ideas as to how you can excite yourself about your cardio program and you’ll hopefully look forward to it instead of dread it.
Compete Against Yourself
Set yourself goals for each time you train and try to improve your performance every single time you work out. If you are jogging, rather than just jog at a steady pace for 20 minutes mindlessly hoping the time will pass make a note of the distance you have ran and next time try to run further. Each time try to improve your distance within your set time and you’ll soon not only find your fitness levels increase but you will look forward to jogging after you start noticing your improvements.
Alternatively, try and run a set distance but improve your time. Each time aim to shave off a few seconds or a minute on the time it takes you to run that distance. With your mind focused on a goal you’ll be more likely to work harder and feel the benefits of your cardio workout.
Vary your Exercises
If you regularly jog, try cycling for a while. If you are a fan of machines, try the rowing machine. The new exercise will not only work your muscles differently but the change will keep the mind from wondering.
You could even combine multiple cardio exercises in one session. So for example, you could start off by doing some light jogging, then get on the exercise bike for a while, then hit the rowing machine etc until you have completed your normal duration. Most gyms put the machines close enough together that your heart rate won’t go down much between machines so you don’t have to worry about that.
Vary your Surroundings
If you exercise at a gym, try moving outdoors. Instead of passing the time on the treadmills, take a jog outside in the fresh air. Take in the scenery as you run and just enjoy being outside. This isn’t possible for many people who live in cities so take a trip to the countryside one weekend or your local park.
If you are worried about your safety jog with a partner or join a club in your area that organises runs and enjoy the safety in numbers. Jogging in a group will also help keep you motivated and you can motivate others too. Which brings me conveniently onto my next point…
Vary your Company
If you normally do your exercise by yourself, find a partner to do it with. You can help each other set goals, compete against each other to reach your targets first and generally get that social time at the same time as your fitness time.
Other Exercise Ideas
Sometimes something totally different is needed to help keep us enthusiastic about keeping fit. Try something totally different for a change. Buy a dance workout DVD and not only will you get fit, you’ll probably pick up a few dance moves along the way too. Maybe join a dance class, try participating in a team sport. Sports are a fun way to lose weight without feeling like a tedious chore.
I hope these tips have helped keep you motivated about your cardio program. I think the most important thing to do I you are beginning to find it boring is to change something about it, otherwise you’ll get god at making excuses to stop doing it.
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