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10 ways to sparklife into yourworkouts!

By Mike Heatlie MSc
Article Word Count: 770

1. Change you environment The saying that, “a change is as good as a rest” holds true for many fitness
enthusiasts and the spark you may need could be a change in your fitness environment. If you’re a runner then look on the internet for a new and
challenging running route. Perhaps it’s time for you to change fitness clubs and become stimulated with new exercise equipment.

2. Hire a Personal Trainer
Hiring a Personal Trainer could well be the best move you could make for igniting your fitness
regime. Trainers can implement quality workouts for you and create an exercise program designed at reaching your goals a lot faster. Personal Trainers can also provide real enthusiasm for you and drive your motivation through the roof!

3. Listen
to stimulating music I always encourage my clients to listen to their favorite songs whilst exercising. There’s no doubt that exercising whilst listening to emotionally charged music can really motivate you and produce an adrenalin response. Update your IPod with some great new motivating music and vary it depending on your workout. If I’m outdoors running I have playlists especially
for that purpose and also when lifting weights or any other type of exercise. Here are my top songs for firing your workouts with music!!
* The Eels – ‘Mr.E’s Beautiful Blues’
* Nelly Futado – ‘Say It Right’
* Justin Timberlake 'Sexy Back’
* Foo Fighters 'Best of You’
* Snow Patrol ‘Run’
* Massive Attack 'Unfinished Sympathy’
* Coldplay ‘Fix You’
* Sugababes ‘Freak Like Me’
* Robert Palmer 'Some Like It Hot’
* London Screen Orchestra ‘Going The Distance – from Rocky’
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it improves my workouts 110%.

4. Change your exercises and program
There are hundreds if not thousands of exercises out there we can take advantage of, some obviously much better than others. Try organizing every workout where you do completely different exercises every workout session. Combine that with a completely different exercise program and that should certainly stir your enthusiasm.

5. Set new goals
Do you have goals for your workouts? Get your body fat% measured and shoot for losing a certain amount over a period of 6 weeks. If you want to lose or put on weight then do something similar. Have you ever run 10 miles or a halfmarathon? I don’t advise anything more than running 12.5 miles unless you are a serious runner. Get yourself motivated with a new goal, make it challenging but realistic and make sure you set a deadline.

6. Train with a training partner
This can be a tricky but highly effective one. I rarely workout with friends, there’s too many distractions, we get caught up discussing so many things. A training partner is different however. You need someone who has a similar passion and commitment to yourself but you’re not necessarily close friends. Work colleagues are good training partners usually. I train with a few trainers whom I don’t socialize with, but we really push each in our workouts.

7. Take up a sport
I really think this is a great idea. There are so many good sports out there to try and perhaps you’ll fall in love with one. Tennis, squash, surfing, running, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, soccer, climbing, there really is too many too mention. They can be great social gatherings also which increases your enthusiasm.

8. Buy new workout clothes For some reason we feel
fresh and ready to go if we’ve just bought new training shoes or clothing. We can’t wait to try them out as we feel good in them. Just like the saying goes, “When you look good, you feel good.”

9. Take some time off
Taking time away from exercising can really help to get some rest and refuel your system as you may be slightly overtrained. One of the first signs for someone being overtrained is a lack of enthusiasm for their exercise routine, you simply get bored and you find working out to be something of a chore. Take time off and don’t feel guilty about doing this. Rest is part of your conditioning at times especially if you’re into serious training. Your muscles, joints, and connective tissues all need rest and recuperation.

10. Try some new fitness classes
I’m not a big fan of aerobic classes, far from it. But there are some good classes out there that may help spice up your workouts. Try spinning,
bootcamp, pilates, or a boxing or kickboxing class. They’re also good social classes which help with motivation and enthusiasm.

Mike Heatlie MSc is one of the leading Personal Trainers worldwide. Mike holds a Masters Degree in Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise and a 1st Class Honors Degree in Sport & Exercise Science. He has a ten year Personal Training relationship with US singer Gwen Stefani, and is the author of the epic ebook 'Lose 10 Years, 10 Pounds, in 5 Weeks!'

www.mikeheatlie.com
www.lose10poundsin5weeks.com

Copyright © Mike Heatlie Personal Training 2007 All Rights Reserved

You have permission to publish this article in web sites, ezines, electronic publications, and any media format, as long as the article
is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (HTML clickable) and references and copyright info.