Bored? Break Out the Toys

By Martina Navratilova

When it comes to exercise, "boredom is your enemy," says Martina Navratilova, AARP's health and fitness ambassador, in this video.

To change up your exercise routine, add exercise toys, she suggests. Martina demonstrate hip lifts with a big, bouncy stability ball and bent-knee push-ups with balance-challenging Xerdiscs. And AARP: The Magazine's fitness editor Gabi Redford shows off arm curls with flexible rubber tubing.

Try some of Martina's other favorite exercise toys:

• Exercise stick. This specially designed bar helps stretch the back, shoulders, torso and arms.
•  Foam roller. This inexpensive tube helps builds balance, alignment and body tissue.
•  Medicine ball. This weighted ball works muscle groups involved in shifting, bending, rotating, and balancing.
•  Weighted bar. This simple metal bar adds resistance to arm, leg, and trunk exercises.
•  Jump rope. This tried-and-true tool builds muscle and overall aerobic fitness.
•  Dumbbells. You know what they are. Start small with five pounds and work up to 20.