Seven Tips to Beat Back Exercise Burnout

e most powerful things we can do to eliminate stress is to exercise.
When we exercise, we release feel-good endorphins and we strengthen
our immune system. We also feel less anxious and more fit.

Studies also show that exercise is also how we energize our brains.
Biologist John Medina's book, "Brain Rules: 12 Principles for
Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School," points out that
being on the move helps us think more productively. But what happens
when exercise burnout strikes? Several studies have found that what
leads to exercise burnout includes boredom, too little time, or too
many competing obligations that push exercise off the high-priority
list.

Here are seven tips to beat back exercise burnout:

1. Vary your routine. Choose working out on the stretching machines
one day and then pick weights the next. Skip one day of aerobic
exercise for a weightlifting session. Varying your routine staves off
boredom, while also exercising different muscle groups. Make a weekly
list of varying exercise routines.

2. Vary exercise times. Exercising at the same time of day can lead to
boredom. The same exercise routine can also backfire if competing
obligations take over that time frame. You can be flexible about when
you exercise and even how long you spend exercising. Break up your
practice of a 30-minute morning workout into two smaller workouts, one
in the morning and one toward the end of the day.

3. Take an exercise class. Take an exercise class to vary your
exercise routine. Gyms and local community centers offer classes.
Choose the one that fits your budget, because you don't want money to
become a reason to avoid exercise. Exercise videos also can be a
lively way to change your routine

4. Exercise with a friend. Mingling with others and chatting while you
exercise with other exercisers at the gym or when you go on walks
keeps you interested. Feel free to share your ideas for changing the
routine and you can get creative about changing your schedule if other
obligations arise.

5. Don't skip a good night's sleep. A lack of adequate sleep can play
a strong role in exercise burnout, because exhaustion creates stress,
fatigue and a lack of focus. A lack of focus can also lead to exercise
injuries. Ease into a good night's sleep by avoiding exercise late at
night.

6. Stretch. Stretching exercises before, during or after your exercise
routine will keep you limber and less likely to experience minor
exercise injuries. If you find yourself working late, take a standing
or stretching break to do a few exercises in your office before you
get back to work.

7. Take an exercise break. A break from exercise will help you steer
clear of exercise burnout. Take a day or two off, and call it an
exercise vacation. You'll return to your routine stress-free, rested
and re-focused, and if you return to your regular regime, your fitness
won't suffer.

_By: *Ruth Klein*_

*About the Author:*

Ruth Klein is a branding, marketing, publicity and time management
consultant to law firms and business professionals ranging from solo
entrepreneurs to the Fortune 500. As an award-winning business owner
with a master's degree in clinical psychology, Klein brings her
unique, results-driven insights, expertise and practical solutions to
her law firm clients. For more information, visit
http://www.ruthklein.com [1] .

Links:
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[1] http://www.ruthklein.com/