We all experience those moments of utter boredom with our workouts. It happens. We are fickle creatures and we crave change. I am always looking for tricks to bust through those workout doldrums and break on through to the other side.
One technique I have been playing with these days is to be mindfully blind. I close my eyes throughout an entire set of a stationary exercise. It is surprisingly difficult to perform 10 squats without seeing your surroundings. With your eyes closed, your other senses kick into overdrive. Plus, moving without visual cues increases your coordination.
It is kind of odd to close your eyes at the gym and that makes me love it even more. And there is the bonus that I can't see other gym users looking at me funny since my eyes are closed. So if you need a new way of "seeing" things, challenge yourself by being mindfully blind. We all tend to do this when stretching, but try it during crunches or lifting weights, but not for walking lunges and never on a piece of cardio equipment. Eyes closed for standing biceps curls — yes. On a treadmill — never.
Looking for more ways to beat boredom? Here are a couple more ways to bust the boredom.

Maloles
Peacocks
Tomas Maier
I wake up so early to use my elliptical, I often find myself working out with my eyes closed. It helps pass the time more quickly... I just hope I don't fall asleep one day, ha!
1I love to do sun salutations with my eyes closed in the mornings. It's a really grounding, connecting and meditative exercise in the morning.
2LOL, I did this on the treadmill once and fell right off the back of it. Thankfully there was no one else in the gym at the time, but the security cameras were still on - it still makes me blush a little bit.
3I have such terrible balance when I close my eyes, I think I would fall right over! Maybe a little practice would be just the trick though...
4i've ALWAYS worked out with my eyes closed, more so because i don't like to see the people working out next to me, and partly because if i'm paying attention to others, then it messes up my pace.
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