Most fitness enthusiasts don't plan to abandon an exercise program, but when a workout becomes routine, boredom and burnout ensue. Unbroken routines may lead to broken resolutions to get and stay in shape. Traditional exercise equipment may be the culprit. Most machines facilitate repetitive, one-dimensional linear movement, but a bit of creativity turns your local gym into an exercise playground. Unlike traditional weight machine workouts, these exercises do not have prescribed sets and repetitions. Simply do as many repetitions as you can while maintaining form, balance and alignment.
Partner Ball Crunches
Most fitness centers have stability balls. Some also have medicine balls, which are small, weighted balls. This exercise requires two stability balls, a medicine ball and a workout partner. Partners sit facing each other on the stability balls. One partner holds the medicine ball, and walks down the stability ball to a "crunch" position, with his spine against the ball's surface. As he tosses the medicine ball to his partner, he extends his spine to an upright, seated position. The partner catches the ball and flexes her spine into the crunch position. This exercise works the abdominal muscles, while enhancing balance and agility.
Traveling Lunge and Rotation
Some people train for leg and oblique muscle endurance by performing multiple sets and repetitions on the machines. This gets boring, and may annoy other gym members. The traveling lunge and oblique rotation obliterates the boredom factor, simultaneously works the legs, gluteals and abdominal muscles and keeps you on good terms with fellow gym members. You'll need a medicine ball or a five to 10 pound weight. Use the track or the gym's perimeter. Begin in an upright position, holding the weight or medicine ball with both hands with both arms extended in front of your body at chest height. Step forward with your right leg. Bend both knees, lifting your left heel. Simultaneously rotate your upper torso to the right. Return to center and repeat on the other side.
Band Jumping and Running
Many athletic coaches such as Kory Angelin of the Cleveland Cavaliers use resistance band running and jumping to train their athletes. Some of the heavier resistance bands and tubes found at the gym provide a viable modification of these exercises. Wrap the band around your waist or secure it to a weight belt. Have your training partner hold both ends, and step away from you until the band is taut. Turn your back to your partner and walk forward. Maintain an upright posture as you jog against the band's resistance. Vary your direction by jogging to the right and left. Then, turn sideways so that your right hip is against the band. Jump from right to left, landing with bent knees. Repeat on the other side.
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