We all know that spending an hour on a stationary bike staring into space can be pretty soul destroying, but we also know how necessary cardio is to our workouts so the key is to keep things as interesting as possible. Because when you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll come back for more. There’s nothing worse than the growing gray boredom of a workout or a diet you’re getting sick of. It’s only a matter of time at that point when you deicde you simply can’t be bothered any more and give up. Not an ideal solution.

So here are 9 ways I have found to make cardio that litle bit more enjoyable - see how many you can use.

1) Watch TV

Many gyms, including my own, have big TV screens near the cardio equipment. So plug your headphones in and enjoy a favourite TV show.

2) Read A Book

OK so this one’s a lot harder to do (try reading a book on the rowing machine!) but if you’re using a stationary bike it’s entirely possible to catch up on some reading. Infact, I did it yesterday and my 20 minutes on the bike flew by in what felt like 2 oe 3 minutes -seriously!

3) Mix It Up

Rather than spending an hour on one machine for example, spend 20 minutes on 3 different machines to keep some variety. You’d be surprised how quickly just 20 minutes goes on a machine.

4) Go Outside

if the weather is good enough, go and run, cycle, swim etc outside. With the sunshine on your skin and plenty of different things to look at each exercise session will be different.

5) Do Some Thinking

Got a big problem that needs solving? Trying to work out what present to get someone or what to cook for that big family dinner? Set your mind on that one big problem and aim to have the answer by the time you finish. I even take a notepad and pen with me sometimes to jot doen ideas that come to me while working out.

6) Zone Out

You might prefer the opposite. If you’re a busy person - long working hours, crazy family life etc. - then simply closing your eyes, clearing your mind and focusing on just being there in the moment without any inturruptions might be a suitable solution for you.

7) Listen To Music

My MP3 player is my best friend at the gym. Find music you find uplifting and change it regularly. There are tracks that litererally guarantee me another 5 minutes of exercise time if I start to slow down. I skip through to one of these tracks and I’m off!

8) Change How You Use The Machine

Many cardio machines have different programs on them. You can go faster or make it hard or long or, or, or. Try out a new program. Maybe aim to go the same distance as usual in half the time. Or make it harder but go for the same time and so on.

9) Flirt!

OK, so forgive me for putting in this one - and as someone who is happily in a relationship I can mention that I definately don’t use this one (any more!). But gyms attract some good-looking folks so have some fun! If you’re a little bit more bashful then take along a friend and just have a chat while exercising.

Popularity: 27% [?]

We’ve talked in the past about the importance of motivating yourself when you’re on a weight loss plan and one of the best ways (after seeing how much weight you have lost yourself) is to see what other people have achieved.

This article at Refridgerator Raid lists 6 excellent case studies including one guy who went from 312 pounds to 184 pounds.

Run on over now

Popularity: 34% [?]

Surely I can’t mean that, can I?

Weight loss - fun?

Mmm, maybe for a few nutters out there but lil’ ol’ you?

Yep. Let me tell you more…

I just read about an interesting blog from a guy who wanted to lose weight. He sorted out his diet but couldn’t be bothered to exercise.

As it turns out, at about the same time he bought himself a Nintendo Wii. Of course, the Wii is a video game system that is controlled using physical movement. Rather than pressing buttons to control what’s happening in the game, you move the whole controller. You can play tennis, 10 pin bowling and so on.

And much to his surprise (and delight) this guy discovered he could lose as mcuh weight as he wanted to, simply by playing several hours of video games (that he loved) each day.

How great is that?

Two things to take away from this…

1) Consider getting a Nintendo Wii if you like video games and want to lose weight.

2) It goes back to what I keep saying - find an aerobic exercise you *love* - tennis, swimming, cycling etc. - because then it won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself, you’ll actually be having fun first and losing weight second.

Check out the blog I mentioned here.

Popularity: 27% [?]

On days off last year, or when I managed to start work late or finish early, I used to take pleasure in visiting the gym outside of “peak hours” - 5pm-8pm I would suggest.

This peak time is when most people come out of work and the gym brims with people. It can be a great networking time but it can also be so frustrating because there is so much competition for so few resources.

Your workout takes twice as long as you stand around for weights or machines to free up.

And if you’re unlucky, while you’re working out, someone will be hovering around you like a fly waiting for *you* to get off that machine so *they* can use it.

Not my idea of fun I’m afraid.

In the past I have visited the gym in the early morning - as in 7.30am in the early morning. You find the real hardcore there. It’s quiet. And the people there have dragged themselves up at 6am to work out before they begin a days work. That’s dedication for you.

I loved those early mornings, but I’m naturally a night owl. Given a choice, I won’t be up till 10am.

So it is with great pride that I can tell you I have just become self employed. I won’t tell you about what I’m doing - that’s not the focus of this blog. But what *does* matter is that I can now go to the gym at *any* time of day.

That means I can get a cheaper monthly subscription by going off-peak, everything is much quieter and I can go at a natural pause in my day.

It’s such a pleasure! The mums who go to the gym while they’re kids are at school don’t know how lucky they are

Popularity: 32% [?]

We’ve all been there - a new member at the gym - and you know how out of place you look.

It just doesn’t feel “natural” to be there.

But if you’re keen to get over that “bump” and start looking like a gym pro as quickly as possible then there are a few things you can do:

1) Get Yourself A Proper Workout Kit

Many gym newbies haven’t yet quite decided if it’s for them or not so they wear an old t-shirt and pair fo shorts from the back of their wardrobe.

Appreciate that you are going to get hot and sweaty, and that the majority of the serious gym goers will be wearing “proper” gym stuff and go buy yourself something so you blend in. Best bet - pay a lot of attention when you’re shown round the gym before you actually sign on the dotted line so you can get an idea of what the other members are wearing.

2) Get Inducted Out Of Peak Hours

Most new gym goers will have a gym induction - in many gyms it’s one of the rules.

So don’t aim for peak time. Struggling trying to learn to use the various machines and do the various exercises with a instructor right next to you while the gym is packed couldn’t scream “newbie” any more if you tried.

So go some time between 10am and 4pm on a weekday for the quietest times and do your induction then. If you want to be smart, even ask them when you’re being shown round when the quietest times are and make a mental note.

3) Focus On Your Workout Not Other People

Serious gym goers tend to be there to work out. Newbies tend to feel self conscious and spend a lot of time looking around the gym watching what other people are doing. Sometimes even mimicking them. It’s OK to go ask someone what that exercise is that they’re doing and what muscles does it work - but try in general to focus on what you’re doing not what everyone else is doing.

Popularity: 28% [?]