April Fools' Day fitness tips: trick yourself into a better workout

March 31, 8:25 PMPortland Fitness ExaminerAdrienne Stauffer

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AP Photo/Apple, Inc.

I have not yet been duped today (knock on wood), but I did manage to trick one of my personal training clients into doing a little extra work this morning. And she actually enjoyed it!

Making fitness fun can sometimes be a challenge, but there are a lot of little tricks you can use to help you pass the time.

• Count your reps in a different language – this may even prompt you to re-learn the Spanish or French you once knew.
• When you’re doing cardio, pick one or two songs in your playlist and push yourself extra hard when they come on – for the whole song.  The iPod Shuffle is great for creating an element of surprise.  I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that my two are the theme song from St. Elmo’s Fire and, yes, Eye of the Tiger.  If you’re laughing at this, I dare you to tell me yours! I’ll share the best (and most embarrassing)… examinefitness@gmail.com.
• Do an alphabet workout – spend one to two minutes on each letter. Start with A for abs, B for biceps, C for cardio, etc.  The letters can represent either a muscle or body part (L for legs), or an exercise (L for lunges).  I have yet to come up with a good one for N; if you have any great ideas please share them with me – examinefitness@gmail.com.

Adding a little variety to your workout can create increased motivation, keep you interested, and have a positive effect on your overall fitness.