Face it. Training can be pretty boring sometimes.

When you’re doing the same exercises all the time, the challenge becomes less about physical exhaustion and more about training your mind to overcome the boredom that comes with doing the same thing over and over. To help keep you motivated here are five simple tips to keep you motivated when training.

1. Mix It Up.
Like I mentioned earlier…doing the same thing over and over is BORING! To help combat boredom, mix up your routine a bit. Instead of running for 60 minutes run for 20. Then hit the heavy bag for 20 and power walk for another 20. Switching things up will help both your muscles and your mind.

2. Music
There’s nothing worse than going on a run and having only your inner thoughts to keep you company. Make a playlist on your iPod and bring it along with you. It will help tremendously. Then make a new one every couple of weeks so you don’t get sick of it. Next thing you know a two-mile run will seem like nothing.

3. Know Your Limits
If you’re training for a marathon it’s probably not a good idea to go out and run 26 miles on your first day of training. Work your way up to it. Heck, you don’t even have to run to train. Try jumping in the pool or hitting the heavy bag to switch it up and keep your legs fresh.

4. Put Some Pics Up
This may sound silly. But it really works. Try putting up a picture of an athlete you admire. It really helps. For extra motivation, try putting up a picture of a girl you’re trying to get or the picture of your ex’s new flame. The fire it lights in your belly can take you pretty far!

5. REST!!
This is the most obvious of all the tips. But you’d be surprised how many people ignore it. The body needs rest! If you keep pounding the same muscles over and over they’ll eventually wear out and stop working for ya. So take a day or two and do nothing! You’ll be surprised by the results.

Have any other suggestions? Feel free to add them in the comment section below and share them with the world!