In a Fitness Rut? Time to mix it up!
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By: Michelle Meyers
Bored with your exercise routine? Spice it up with these fun fitness tips
I am in an exercise rut. I do the same thing every day: wake up, walk my 2.5 mile neighborhood route, shower and then start my day. I count my steps and my daily calories, and by the end of the day I’ve reached my 10,000 step goal. Fantastic.
Here’s the problem: I’m bored. What’s an under-stimulated exerciser to do? Shake it up a bit, is what all my friendly fitness gurus tell me. Be bold, be daring, and do something different. Short of, say, jumping out of an airplane (which I’m refusing to do in my lifetime), I’m open to suggestions!
So I challenged myself to do two new things over the last 14 days, here’s what I’ve done:
Zumba – yes, I’ve gotten in touch with my inner salsa girl. I found a local class with an amazing instructor that brings hip-swiveling to a new level. Although I was somewhat intimidated by the other participants who had the routines down pat (and even donned official Zumba gear, which made me quiver in fear), I managed to keep up and enjoy myself. I worked up a great sweat, used new muscles, and walked away doing the cha-cha. I highly recommend the experience!
Calories Burned: 740/hr w/intense effort
Jump Rope – ahh….memories of grade school gym class revealed themselves as I dug deep into the toy box and found my daughter’s old pink sparkly rope. But as my dad used to say, this childhood pastime is … “about as simple and effective as you can get.” I jumped for intense thirty-second intervals, with short breaks in between for kicks. My coordination was rusty, but I got the hang of it. I was amazed at how winded I became, and so fast. Which only means I need more cardio workouts, I suppose. My legs muscles were in shock, but it felt good to do something invigorating, and so, well … different!
Calories Burned: 460/hr including rest time (30 minutes Jumping Rope, 30 minutes rest)
So I’ve incorporated these two new things into my weekly routine. I’m getting better at hip-swiveling, and my coordination is improving. And what’s most important, I’m feeling excited about doing something new in my fitness regimen. As long as I continue to count calories, I’d say I’m on to something!
