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Author: Ruth Klein

Seven Tips To Beat Back Exercise Burnout

Exercise is a powerful weapon against stress, encouraging the production of energizing endorphins, strengthening our immunity system and easing anxiety. Exercise helps with fitness.

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. Do aerobic exercises one day, and yoga on another day. 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. Be flexible enough to vary exercise times, and even the time spent exercising. You can switch a 30-minute morning routine into a 15-minute morning routine followed by a 15-minute early evening workout.

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. Allow yourself to socialize while you exercise with an exercise buddy who will go with you to the gym or accompany you on healthy walks. You can also share new ideas to vary your exercise activities or be creative when conflicting obligations force a change in your exercise schedule.

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 have to stay late at work, spend five or 10 minutes standing and stretching or doing isometric exercises while seated at your desk.

7. Take an exercise break. Take a vacation from exercise to avoid 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.

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