By Dave Patania
Enquirer contributor

All winter, I have been lifting weights, consistently taking aerobics classes and doing the elliptical trainer. However, I am very bored, dread doing the same things and am afraid of not being in shape for this spring and summer. Can you give me some ideas?

Some people don't exercise consistently or hard enough to get results and therefore fail because true effort wasn't given.

However, there are those like yourself who have proven that they have the discipline to exercise and eat right consistently.

The problem is that after performing the same exercise/eating routine and using the same machines for so long, many people feel imprisoned by the very habits that are supposed to help them achieve their goals. This is called being stuck in a fitness rut. In your case, you are doing all of your exercise indoors within the confines of walls and manufactured light.

Change your routine by getting outside and enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and even the rain.

Instead of pretending to walk or jog up a hill on a treadmill, grab a few friends and walk/jog a couple times a week with them and create different/steep routes to challenge one another and have fun.

To add spice to your spinning or stationary cycling, try buying a quality bike and ride some paved or off-road bike trails for some adventure and the invigorating feeling of the wind and knowing that you really moved your body.

You passed the test for staying active, now take it to the next level by being creative and finding new activities.

I started downhill mountain biking and have taken more than my share of tumbles down hillsides but wouldn't trade the experiences and new people that I have met for anything in the world.

Also, think about ways of making your routines more intense to boost results.

Use your consistency as a foundation for many other exciting and challenging activities that will satisfy both your mental and physical requirements.

Contact personal trainer Dave Patania by e-mail: davpatania@aol.com.