When you think about working out, your mind is probably flooded with images of squats, lunges, burpees, and treadmills. If you are like me, these thoughts make you cringe more than a little. The same old boring workout routine is one of the main motivation killers out there. No one wants to do the same thing every single day, and that is why so many of us don't work out as much as we would like to. The truth is, we need to get creative. Any way that we can "trick" ourselves into working out by doing something fun is a step in the right direction.
There are so many ways that you can spice up your workouts simply by going outside. No matter where you live, if you are a city slicker or a country dweller, you can find something to do outside. There is nothing wrong with working out indoors, but your options are more limited. Your main choices are to either do a home workout to a DVD of your choice, or hit up the gym. You are limited to certain machines and devices that you can use, and that can get mundane at times. When you do something active outside, you probably will have more fun and it won't feel like working out.
If you live by a walking path or national park, you can take a nature stroll or hike to get your heart rate pumping. Walking on uneven terrain and at varying inclinations will give your legs and backside an extra boost. Not only will it be more interesting to get a change of scenery, but you will likely come across some beautiful sights. You'd be surprised to know how fast time can fly by when you are sight-seeing while taking a walk through the woods or on a pathway. There is something that mother-nature can do to the soul, by breathing in fresh air and getting out of the city noise.
If you don't have much around you that you can do, you can always find something in your own yard. You can get something productive done like mowing your lawn, or you can do something fun like jumping on your trampoline. There are many different exercises you can do on your trampoline that will scorch the calories. There isn't much that is quite as fun as a trampoline, and if you can get a great work out in at the same time, it's a win-win situation! Something as simple as doing a workout in your yard will be way more exciting than doing it in your living room time and time again. A change of scenery goes a long way, and helps prevent you from getting burnt out on the same old routine.
If you have a lake or beach nearby, or an indoor or outdoor pool, you can have tons of fun while exercising. Swimming can be an awesome cardio workout, and it is easy to keep your heartrate up while swimming laps. Not only that, but swimming is a great workout for the whole body, while putting virtually zero impact on your joints. If you have back or knee problems when working out, this is a great idea for you. You can get a group of friends as well, and play a fun, competitive game of water volleyball. You won't notice how much your body is working because you will be having so much fun, but I guarantee you will feel it the next day!
Don't let your boring home workouts keep you from being active. Exercise is an important part of our lives, and it even helps prevent diseases, and many cancers as well. The problematic obesity trend is not only caused by overeating, but also the lack of physical activity. You don't necessarily need to complete a hour long vigorous workout 7 days a week, but you shouldn't be a couch potato all day either. Find your happy medium, and get your body moving! If you find something fun to do outside to enjoy the nice weather, you won't even realize that you are working out.
