Shaking Up My Workout Routine
Shake it up is the theme to my workout routine. If it gets boring—shake it up. If it gets too easy—shake it up. If the weather is bad—shake it up.
Changing my workout routine
I’ve found doing the same workout again and again has pitfalls. First, I’ll get bored, and if I’m bored I’ll be looking for any excuse to postpone or avoid doing it at 
all.
Second, I’ve improved and now I can do the exercises easily. Once this happens, my aerobics instructor tells me I’m not getting the most from my workout. This means it’s either time to push myself a little harder or try something new. Many times, I do a little of both.
In recent years, I’ve started changing my workouts with the season like I do my wardrobe.
Workout by season
In the summer, I do lap swimming a couple of times a week until the pool closes or the temperature gets too cool.
In the summer and fall, I do a lot more mountain biking away from home because of the heat. As it cools off, I’ll walk with friends to enjoy the cooler air and fall colors.
In the winter, I bike indoors, cross-country ski and snowshoe (when there’s snow). I mountain bike close to home in the winter, when it’s not raining (which was most of last year).
In the spring, I start biking outdoors again, hike (weather permitting) and garden.
I lift weights all year-long, but I prefer winter when it’s cool. I also do kickboxing aerobics year round. Fortunately it’s inside and air conditioned!
Shake it up
I’m feeling the need to add something new to my workouts. Boredom at work again. I’ve let yoga slip to the wayside, and I think it’s time to make more of an effort to fit it into my exercise routine. I’m also considering Pilates or a dance class.
Unfortunately, I have limited options where I live. A lot of the exercise I do, I have to do on my own, which I find more challenging.
Exercise is a lot more fun when I do it with someone, and if you’ve got kids at home you’ve got built-in companionship. Challenge them to a game of basketball, 
play catch or toss a football, play tag, run races, play dodge ball or tether ball. The options are endless, and it’s a great way to spend time with your kids and keep in shape.
What do you do to shake up your workouts? Have you found something new that excites you?