Getting past the monotomy

I was asked earlier today how I keep from getting bored during my workout. It's a good question, especially for me b/c I get distracted easily. First, I think it's good that I don't have a treadmill in my home b/c every second I'd be looking around the place imagining all the other things I could be doing.

When I first started working out, I stole the fiance's iPod b/c he wasn't using it anyway, and I downloaded a bunch of my favorite songs. There's nothing like getting your elliptical groove on to "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. I have since graduated, however, to the treadmill and to audio books.

Audio books are especially nice on a treadmill where the machine is keeping me at a steady pace, so I don't have to worry about subconsciously slacking off. I also like to listen to them while I walk around North Central Park. I still prefer music when on the elliptical because music keeps me pumped up and gives me a beat.

If you're looking for a good audio book, I would suggest "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I seriously could not stop listening to it. It's about racial relations in the Mississippi during the early 1960s, and that may seem lame to you (it did to me at first), but there were so many positive reviews on iTunes that I caved and gave it a shot. It totally sucked me in. I would be dying on the treadmill, but dreading the end of my workout because I wanted to hear what happened next.

Another great motivator for me is right in my closet. Half of my clothes I haven't been able to wear for years. And these are really cute clothes that deserve to be worn. At least once a week I'll try on a few things that are the next size down and that renews my determination. There's a certain skirt that I've always loved and I've decided that when I can fit into it, I'm going to dancing.

And I'll be honest, getting the motivation to head to the treadmill is rarely the issue. It's that third night that I'm scheduled to do my step workout when I lose my motivation. There's no great music involved and no stories to get lost in and I have to twist and turn and dip and push up and lunge and it stinks.

Last night was a step night. I decided to watch the first "Sex and the City" movie with the fiance instead, so now tonight is my step night.

Let's hope I don't come up with another excuse.