Wondering how to make exercise less boring? This article will help you out!

Earlier today I was considering really buckling down on the four (cringe!) research papers that I have to have completed in the next couple weeks, when my dad announced that he was going for a run. I haven’t gone running since Tuesday, and I wasn’t quite in the mood to read endless articles on dynastic propaganda in artwork during the early Roman Empire, so I volunteered to join him. My first outdoor run since last October, I believe.

It was one of the best runs I’ve had in a while. We kept up a fairly decent pace, about the pace that I normally run at, and we ran roughly 5km (usually I go for 5-6 miles). It was exhilarating and fun!

I had forgotten about the difference between running on a treadmill and running outdoors. The terrain means that you’ve got to concentrate on where your feet take you, and dodging the slippery patches and slushy puddles contributed to the general feel-good mood that it put me in by the time we’d finished.

We started off with the intention of doing a loop of about 4km but it was such a nice steady pace, and the temperature was beautiful, so we decided to add on that extra little loop and push ourselves a bit furthar. It was nice to be able to run with someone else for once, too. You get to have that added bit of encouragement and friendly competition.

And now I’m converted. No more of this boring, ho-hum treadmill running! I’m taking it outdoors from now on, where there’s some actual scenery to take in, and some obstacles (jumping across puddles, anyone?) to maneuver around. If I’m going to run I’m going to darn well enjoy it. I’m determined to be ready for that half-marathon come summertime!

If you’ve found yourself getting restless with your workout and if you’re wondering how to make exercise less boring, I’d really recommend trying a simple switch like taking it from the gym to the outdoors. That’s not going to be feasible for everyone, but even changing the machines that you use at the gym can make your workout more interesting and enjoyable.

Or, try a completely different activity: starting Tuesday, I’ll be taking belly dancing classes once a week for eight weeks! You’ll hear all about it, I promise. But now, I think it’s time I stopped procrastinating and got to reading my academic journal articles—gotta have that balance of work and play!

Do you prefer to exercise indoors or outside? Does the type of activity that you’re doing change whether you prefer to exercise indoors or outside? Share in the comments section below!

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