Rainy Wednesday down here in the south! I woke up in the middle of the night to some pretty serious thunder and rain, and the rain is still going strong. Bleh! I have been a busy girl working on vacation quotes this morning, too.
Since I am in the middle of week three of my 6 weeks to 6 pack DVD, I thought it was appropriate to talk about workout boredom. Because I am bored. It’s quite comical….As Jillian talks, I know exactly what she is going to say next and have the whole video memorized! Can anyone relate? yes? I REALLY want this DVD to work and I REALLY want to stick with it but I will admit I am struggling. It has been hard to force myself to do this DVD 5 times a week (I haven’t and won’t) 3-4 is a stretch as it is!
So, I thought I would give some tips that have helped me get through workout boredom NOT related to running.
1.) Think about the results. Focus on WHY you are doing the workout. The results you are trying to achieve, the goal you are trying to reach. Tape up a picture or motivational quote on your mirror, on the wall next to the TV where you do your workouts, etc.
2.) Remember it doesn’t last as long as you think. Most cross or strength training workouts are not going to last over an hour. That’s just 60 minutes. You can do anything for 60 minutes! Just get through it then you will be DONE! In the grand scheme of life an hour is not that long. You can get through it!
3.) Multi task. If your brain goes 100 miles an hour like mine does, you may be better suited to multi task while you workout. If you are on a cardio machine like a bike or elliptical, listen to music, read a magazine, or watch TV. Even if you are at home and don’t have access to a TV or cable in your workout room, do what I used to do. Take a portable DVD player and set it up on or in front of your equipment and watch a movie. You may even want to keep working out so you can keep watching!
4.) Find a friend. Having a friend to chat with in between sets, or just knowing someone is sweating along side of you can be encouraging and make your workout more bearable. Invite a friend over for a yoga DVD at your house then go out for coffee after and catch up. Enlist your spouse to help you clean the house inside and out (works up a sweat for me!) and then you two are working toward a goal together. Makes it more bearable to suffer together!
5.) Count your blessings. Somehow putting things into perspective always help me get out of my boredom and self pity pit. Think of those who are not healthy enough to workout, who would LOVE to have to even have the opportunity to get bored during a workout. Being healthy and strong is a gift, a blessing, so don’t take your opportunity for granted and work hard!
I hope those tips will help you as much as they help me. On that note, I am going to go do my DVD and let Jillian kick my butt again! The sun is even starting to come out! 
QOTD: Do you have any good tips to combat workout boredom not related to running?
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Sounds ridiculous, but talk back to your workout DVD. I’ve been doing Turbo Fire since the beginning of January and I like to have conversations with Charlene. In the HIIT workouts, she’ll be like “How was that?” after one of the intervals and I’ll respond “going to pass out!” My husband makes fun of me as I yell at the tv.
haha thats a good idea! too funny!
I am at the same point as well with knowing what Jillian is going to say next. I think I am going to turn it down tonight and turn up my music to help me out. I do enjoy when I have someone yelling at me but not when I know whats coming!!
thats a good idea!
I really like those tips!! Especially the “remember why you are doing this” – most of the time if I can connect my workout to a larger purpose, it’s easier to push through. I know what you mean about workout DVDs though, I’ve just never been good at focusing on them. And I get bored on the elliptical very quickly if a good show isn’t on TV. I think what makes them go by faster is to find a way to incorporate intervals – whether I’m on the stair master or doing ab exercises, if I can do a certain level of difficulty or a certain exercise for 1-2 minutes, then move onto a different one, and come up with a pattern, the time goes by faster for me.
intervals def. help!
I feel the same way and I think that abs are particularly boring !
I attempted the 30 Day Shred by Jillian…I spent a lot of time talking back to her. I didn’t make it 30 days…I was proud of myself for getting through 15 days. It is hard once you start memorizing the workouts! Good luck with yours!