Making Fitness Fun: 11 Ways to Mix Up Your Exercise Routine

Getting (or staying) fit doesn't have to be a drag. Here are 11 ways to mix up your exercise routine to make it fun again.

1. Sign up for an event. It can be a 5K or a marathon; a fun run (which you can run or walk) a bike race or a triathlon. First, set a realistic goal and then enter an event that's a few months away. Training for an event is fun and it's a great way to meet people, too, if you train for the event together.

2. Get your family involved. If your kids are small, invest in a jogging stroller. If they are a little older, run while they are biking next to you. When everyone gets involved in fitness, everyone is more likely to keep at it.

3. Subscribe to a magazine that caters to enthusiasts of your favorite sport or activity. Your neighborhood bookstore can give you a sense for the wide variety of titles that are available – one for just about every sport or activity you can think of. The magazine's gear reviews and articles (and inspiring essays from true lovers of the sport) can really help you stay motivated in your chosen sport or activity.

4. Download audiobooks to listen to while you work out. Take your workout time to catch up with the work of your favorite author of speaker. You can easily download and listen to mp3 audiobooks, from classics to seminars. Or download a book from your favorite humorist or comedian. A good book can really help make your workout more fun.

5. Try a new fitness class. Ever tried water aerobics? Spinning? Jazzercise? Kickboxing? Bellydancing? Your favorite sport may be one you haven't even tried yet.

6. Treat yourself to a new DVD. Search the sale racks or hit the library to get a new fitness DVD.

7. Try a new gym. Look for free trials to area recreation centers or gyms. There are even fitness centers that cater just to women. See if there's a center that particularly motivates you.

8. Track your progress. Fitness is more fun when you can see the results. Create an account on one of the many fitness websites that allow you to track your workouts, weight loss and stamina.

9. If you normally work out inside, get out in nature. Explore the great outdoors.

10. Find a new group of people to work out with. Look on Facebook or Meetup for people in your area who enjoy the same activities as you.

11. Get a new gadget. Whether it's an iphone application, a GPS wristwatch, or a simple pedometer, a new device can help you stay motivated.