Stuck in a rut? Mix it up!
 

So I was sitting in the bathtub this afternoon, wondering what exercise I could do today. I wasn't feeling particularly excited about any exercise, really. Hill training outside? Nope, it's snowing out. Run on the tredmill? Nope, I ran yesterday. Stationary bike? Enh, it's boring. Rowing machine? It's only fun if I can watch a show on TV and that lady in the fitness centre in my condo always puts it on nature shows. So... I start thinking out side the box. Well, maybe I can do some intervals at home--cardio, then strength, until I feel like I do at the end of the 30-day Shred DVD.

But I thought--maybe other people get stuck too. So here's a thread to post your 'get out of an exercise rut' ideas. Please share! I'll update the first post with ideas as they come.


Do intervals at home home--strength/cardio
HITT--on a rowing machine, stationary bike, treadmill, elliptical
Yoga at home (if you've never tried it, check online--I like yogajournal.com)
Hill training
Go outside--do step-ups, push ups, tricep lifts, etc on a bench
Watch an exercise video On Demand
Do the thing you hate the most--but not for very long (it's good for you!)
Exercise videos
Running stairs
Jumping rope

Good idea!

I recently started the 30 day shred- I feel like i'm going to die!! THAT is a good workout, and it doesn't even take that long.

I live in a condo with a gym too, but our treadmill has been out of service for the past 3 weeks (right when I was working up to a 5 k- GRR!)

I've been doing exercise videos and really enjoying them- it's a good way to mix it up! I have a friend who also has a collection and we trade with each other when we get bored. I've been challenging myself to do 30 days for each video- I've done 30 days of pilates and weights, and now I'm onto day 3 of 30 days of Jillian....she's kicking my butt.

If you live in a condo, there is no better exercise than running stairs. I used to do it at my office in the summer, and it did great things for my legs. I currently live on the 18th floor, so I'm still trying to psych myself up to do it!!

Doing the thing I hate the most is how i got into running in the first place- it's amazing the things it does for your psyche when you conquer something you hate! :)

For me, trying out new exercises is the best way to get out of a plateau.
Thanks for the great ideas. I absolutely hate running, but you guys have inspired me to give it a try. I've recently been trying to get into jumping rope. It's a great activity because it really doesn't take up a lot of space, and you can get a jump rope anywhere for next to nothing. It also is a great calorie burning activity. It does make me feel like death though. I literally think I cried a little when I first started. Just make sure to alternate a couple minutes of jumping with a couple minutes of rest when you first start.

I was like that the other day, and I wanted to get in my kettlebell exercise so here is what I did

5 mins stationary bike
5 mins treadmill
7 mins kettlebell
x2

I got a great workout and my heart rate stayed up the whole time.

I get bored very easy so I try 2 things 3 times a week then change it the next week. I always write it down so I can come back to it in a month or two.