One of the things I hear most from busy women is that they get bored with exercising.

And, especially with the busy, holiday season upon us, we don’t need one more reason to skip a workout.

Nothing kills fitness motivation more than boredom.

We’re human, we like repetition and routine to a degree. But when it comes to exercising, doing the same thing over and over again isn’t good for you.

Your body is this awesome machine that likes to make things easy on itself. When changes occur, for example, you start exercising, or you start eating healthier, your body likes that, but it finds ways to work more efficiently under these new circumstances. It adapts, learns to deal with what you’re giving it – this is where those fitness plateaus come from. Your body gets more effective and works more efficiently with what your giving it.

Keep your body and mind inspired to stick with the program.

In my yoga classes (and we’ll also do this in my Fitness for Busy Women Classes), I change things up every week. First and foremost, I do this so participants won’t get bored.

But most importantly, I do it to keep participants minds and bodies challenged.

Sometimes, it’s just easier to do the same thing… mindlessly.

When you’re able to be mindless about your routine – it’s time to change. Sure, it’s easy to slog through a class “just to get it done” or just coast through your routine so you can check it off the list. But if you’re feeling that way, your body isn’t really benefiting.

Don’t be afraid to try something new – and hey – you might just have fun!

The good news is, you don’t even have to leave your house to try new things. As you saw last week, I love FitTV. If you don’t have FitTV, chances are good you’ve got some sort of fitness channel. Check your local listings.

These channels have  a variety of workouts you can do right in your own home. And it’s fun – yes really – FUN.

There are also some really great web sites out there that provide fitness routines. Yours truly has a few right here – click on “Exercises” over there to the right under Categories to check out what I offer so far. And you’ll see – I do most of those things right in my office, so they can be done anywhere!

If you’ve ever wanted to try yoga, check out my local class, feel free to ask me for recommendations, or check out the My Yoga Online web site. They’ve got many videos that you can watch right on your computer.

Bottom line – if boredom or mindlessness sets in, it’s time to try something new. Not only will it give your body a challenge, but it will renew your interest and help motivate you.

**I am thoroughly enjoying being a part of the Prevention not Prescriptions blog carnival. Check it out for great insight, advice and ideas on how you can easily stay healthy.