TIP 1: DO CIRCUIT TRAINING
For a more intense and less monotonous home workout, why not try circuit training? The idea is to do a minimum of 3 different short, sharp exercises without any recovery time between them. You can mix and match cardio and strengthening exercises within the same circuit to break the routine and maximise the intensity.
TIP 2: VARY YOUR CARDIO ACTIVITIES
If you want to train without getting bored, it's important to vary your sports and activities. If you insist on doing 30 minutes of cycling every day, you're going to get fed up and you won't stimulate your body as it'll be completely used to the routine. Rather than cycling for 30 minutes, do 10 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on a cross-trainer then 10 minutes on a rowing machine. You'll soon feel the difference, and your workout will be much more enjoyable and over much sooner!
TIP 3: TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING ELSE!
If you want to make the most of your time or even take your mind off your workout, you could read a book, listen to music, listen to a podcast or audio book, or even watch TV. We recommend investing in good headphones or wireless earphones.
TIP 4: TRAIN WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS
A good way of making the time pass quickly and staying motivated during your training sessions is to invite your friends and/or family to join you! It'll make your workout so much more fun and motivational. You could even challenge each other and turn your session into a game!
A bit more from the coach
Here's a little training programme combining cardio exercises that use a machine with ones that don't.
Exercise 1: 5 minutes on the cross-trainer / rowing machine / bike / treadmill / skipping rope.
Exercise 2: 15 press-ups.
Exercise 3: 5 minutes on the cross-trainer / rowing machine / treadmill / skipping rope.
Exercise 4: 30 seconds of front plank.
Exercise 5: 5 minutes on the cross-trainer / rowing machine / treadmill / skipping rope.
Exercise 6: 10 burpees.
Doing it once should take you less than 20 minutes:
15 minutes on the cross-trainer / rowing machine / bike / treadmill / skipping rope.
15 press-ups + 15 burpees + 30 seconds of front plank.
Depending on your fitness level, you could do this circuit once (beginner), twice (intermediate) or three times (expert), with 2 minutes of recovery between each set.