Spice Up Your Exercise Routine

Exercise is a wonderful way to keep your body in optimum shape. However, after a few months of working out, it's possible to become bored with the routine. Here are some way you can make your workout program more interesting and get the results you want.

A number of exercise experts suggest that you stick to a workout regimen for at least three months. It usually takes about this long for your body to become accustomed to exercising. This doesn't mean that you can quit at the end of the three-month mark, but it does mean it's time to change things up a bit to keep you interested in exercising. You can also tell that you should try new exercises if you stop breaking a sweat after engaging in your usual workout.

For myself, I particularly enjoy shaking things up with a good ol' dance workout.  I teach Ballet Fitness classes out of the home, but at home I have used  New York City Ballet: The Complete Workout [Import] for years.  

Adding world dance to your home fitness repertoire is both fun for the body and mind, and fabulous for the spirit!  Two programs I have enjoyed for years are Wyoma African Healing Dance  and The Goddess Workout bellydance series.  This is a really empowering series for those particular days when you need to tap into your feminine essence and feel lovely!

Before modifying your routine, think about the exercises you were doing before. If you were running on the treadmill or jumping rope, add a new activity to your workout. Add more weight training, spend about 30 extra minutes on the elliptical machine, or go swimming to get your cardio in.

It may also help for you to work out with a friend. A partner can help you to take your exercise regimen to the next level. A friend can also spot you when you're lifting weights or help you work out with the medicine ball. Taking a class at the local gym will also give you new and exciting ideas that will make exercising much more interesting.

Even after you've re-vamped your exercise program, adding meditation and mind/body practices can help to make your health habits more well-rounded.  Meditation helps to eliminate anxiety as well.  If you are looking for an inspirational place to begin with meditation, Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga is a beautifully written book.  

Meditating daily can also help to boost your creativity and self confidence, so you'll be more likely to notice the improvements in your body as you come up with even more ways to work out.