By Malia Frey

Sick of going to the gym?  Tired of the same old workout routine?  If you are trying to lose weight with exercise, consistency matters more than anything.  A single butt-busting workout is great, but it won’t matter in the end if you aren’t regularly completing your sessions.

To recommit, re-energize and see weight loss results, use these workout boredom busters to add a little spice to your routine.

Play treadmill games. There are dozens of way to make treadmill walking or running in place more fun.  My favorite?  A workout I invented called The Game of Ten.  After a warm-up, change the speed and elevation on the treadmill every 2 minutes so that the combined total is always 10.  For example, walk at a pace of 3 mph and an elevation of 7.  If reaching the number 10 is too hard, start with a lower number and challenge yourself to raise it each time you play the game.

Play Simon Says – Grab a friend and take turns doing each other’s favorite exercises. Include both cardio and strength training for at least 40 minutes.

Lift more weight.  It’s easy to get in a rut when you lift weights.  If you can do 10-12 repetitions of your current strength exercise, decrease the number of repetitions and add more weight.

Do a housecleaning workout. Is your house a little messy? Burn calories while you tidy up with a housecleaning workout.  Get flatter abs, tighter thighs and burn calories without leaving your home.

Take a class.  Learn a new skill, meet new people, step out of your comfort zone and try a new form of exercise.

Climb stairs.  No access to cardio equipment in your home or office? That’s no excuse to skip your workout.  Climb stairs. You’ll burn mega calories and shape a firm butt in the process.
Make a new friend. Find gym buddy who can offer support and hold you accountable if you don’t show up.  Approach someone that you see during your normal workout time so that you can coordinate schedules.

Hire a trainer. Many gyms offer a complimentary session.  But even if you have to pay for it, a single session with a qualified trainer can be a smart investment.  Use the session to get ideas for ways to improve your routine. On a budget?  Learn to be your own personal trainer and use the same coaching techniques the pros use.

Stretch! Even the smartest exercisers forget to stretch.  Flexibility training is important if you want to keep your body supple and free from injury.  Grab a mat and take 20 minutes to move your joints through a complete range of motion.  Not sure what to do? Use your session with the trainer to get ideas.

Remember that consistency is key but getting into a rut isn’t good either.  Keep your body in good shape by mixing things up at the gym.  Challenge yourself with new class formats, new equipment and new friends to lose weight and keep it off.