by Matt Bird

Created on: June 10, 2009

Ever gotten into the gym, or at least sat down to exercising, and found it a terribly burdensome task?

I feel your pain. Try though we might to think otherwise, exercising is a taxing and repetitive thing - almost regardless of what part of your body you're working on - and unless you've got a mind of steel and a will to match, you're probably going to get bored. I know I sure do.

But don't despair. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your workouts and make them more fun. And here, for your perusal, is a little list of those ways. Hopefully one or more of them will improve your exercising time and keep you going just a little bit longer.

- Listen to music. Considering how small MP3 players are these days this is probably the easiest, most universal method of making a workout more enjoyable. Stick on some uplifting songs and let the music soar through your ears as you're pumping iron, running the treadmill ragged or just stretching. The proper music can even invigorate your spirits and really get you into your workout.

- Listen to comedy sketches or audio books. Music doesn't always cut it, so if you can, get MP3s of old books or comedy routines and listen to your heart's content. I love either of these when I'm on a long walk and don't have much to look at.

- Try sports instead. Get competitive and join a team. You'll get roughly the same workout you were looking for and build up your skills. Sports are good at exercising those neglected muscles in your body that a normal exercise routine might miss.

- Find a friend to exercise with. I see couples jogging together all the time, and though I've not tried it before I do know the power of having somebody along to talk to in the gym. Not only will the company keep you interested and trekking longer, but you'll invariably seek to impress them with your physical prowess and push yourself a little bit further than usual.

- Exercise outside. This works especially well for joggers. Why coop yourself up in a gym if you don't have to? Head out into the wide world and enjoy the sights. One of my absolute favorite activities is to jog alongside a forest stream near my house: the dirt path is narrow enough to be tricky while wide enough to be safe, and there's so much life around me that I usually forget how tired I am and just enjoy the scenery.

- Watch TV or a movie. If you're at home you can usually pull your weights or other equipment near the television set and enjoy some distraction while you're working out. I often play video games, as well, though it only works for RPGs.

There are tons of other ways to keep your exercise regimine interesting, as well - you just need to apply a bit of creativity. As long as you're focused on your body and not hurting yourself in any way the options for fun are legion.

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