Workouts can be great, but they can sometimes get boring and even non-productive. Long distance runs and bike rides need some motivational factors to help you maintain and increase pace. Gym workouts need some challenge and short term goals to keep it fun and make you come back for more.
Technology is what I turn to for added excitement during a workout (whether for myself or when I am teaching a group). There are so many apps that I use while I run in addition to the music already pumping into my ears. Runkeeper tracks my mileage, pace, distance, and calories burned, offers breakdowns of my mile splits, and even shows a map of what I ran (with mile markers) via GPS. It can also be switched for bikeriding. Zombies, Run! makes me feel like I am in a movie, running for my life away from zombies (yes they chase you) trying to complete a mission to keep advancing on to more missions, all while collecting materials to help rebuild the base.
For gym and boxing workouts I use Songza, a version of internet radio that allows you to select genres of music to suit your workout. iWOD Fitness offers Crossfit workouts uploaded by other users and the timers for them are also included within the app. Boxing Timer counts down 12 one minute rounds for you to box to with 30 second recovery periods between each round.
Not into apps? GymBoss makes a handheld timer that you can also strap to your arm. You set the time limits for active and recovery periods and whether you want an audible alarm or a vibration. This is perfect for tabata-style workouts, skipping rope, or circuit training.
Get creative with your workouts, don't let them be a bore or you will most likely stop benefiting from them. Add some technology and see just how different your workout experience becomes.
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