Strategies for Alleviating the Boredom Associated with Exercise

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By ADD Management Coach Koretsky

© Copyright 2007

Just about every expert in the ADD field will tell you that exercise

is one of the best ADD management strategies there is. According to

the book Delivered from Distraction:

" When a person exercises, she sets in motion a cascade of events that

her brain loves. She sends more blood to her brain. With more blood

comes more oxygen. Exercise also stimulates the release of a

plethora of nutrients, hormones, chemical precursors of

neurotransmitters, growth factors and cleansing agents that bathe the

brain in precisely what it needs to function at its best. "

(From Delivered from Distraction by Hallowell, M.D. and

Ratey, M.D. Copyright 2005. Page 219.)

And in addition to the health and focus benefits, exercise feels

good. So why don't we do it more?

For many adults with ADD, the answer to that question is " boredom " .

When exercise becomes boring for an ADDer, it becomes something to

avoid.

Here are 4 strategies for alleviating the boredom associated with

exercise:

1. Get out of the Gym

Many ADDers join gyms with a lot of excitement, only to find that

their enthusiasm wears out quickly. Being on a stationary bike,

treadmill, or stair climber for 30 minutes begins to seem like

torture after a while.

Instead of feeling forced to get your exercise at this gym, take

these activities outside. Walk or bike around the neighborhood, or

find some real stairs to climb! Change of scenery goes a long way in

alleviating boredom.

2. Follow the Seasons

Find seasonal activities that you might enjoy. In the winter,

skiing, ice skating and snow showing are great forms of exercise. In

the summer, the choices are almost limitless: team sports, swimming,

rollerblading, biking, etc.

3. Join an Activity Club or Take a Class

A great way to ensure that you get regular exercise is to follow some

pre-set structure. Exercise classes that meet once or twice a week

for an hour or so will really help you shape up. Try dance or

martial arts classes for a good workout!

Or, if there is a physical activity that you really love, but never

allow yourself the time to enjoy, give yourself permission to join an

activity club. You'll meet new people, spend more time on what you

enjoy, and get your exercise in the process.

4. Use Music

If you must go to the gym, bring along some headphones and some fun

music. It will keep your energy level up, and will allow you to

focus on something a little more interesting than the wall in front

of your exercise equipment.

Exercise is an excellent tool for managing ADD. It offers many

physical and mental health benefits, and it can be a lot of fun!

Remember, when an ADDer starts to get bored with exercise, it's time

to mix it up.

Note: Always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise

routine.

About the Author:

Koretsky is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the

ADD Management Group, LLC. and her team work with ADD

adults who are overwhelmed with everyday life in order to help them

simplify, focus, and succeed. For free resources and more

information, visit http://www.ADDmanagement.com.