Feeling like your workout isn’t working? Learn how to break the boredom cycle and refresh your routine!
It’s inevitable and something I have learned to accept. I will be alone forever. KIDDING! I’m talking about experiencing a workout rut! Every now and again, my workout routine becomes, well, just that… routine. With exercising comes highs, lows, and plateaus – moments when I feel stuck. Stalled. Stagnant. I become so bored with my workout that just thinking of 20 minutes on the elliptical makes me cringe.
But today we are sharing our favorite “beat the rut” tips to help you feel excited about moving your body. Find them below and remember to share your own tips in the comments section.
Do what you love. The quickest way to boredom is doing things that you don’t really like doing. If you love being outdoors, then by all means, workout outdoors! If you enjoy intense workouts, try boxing or bootcamps as opposed to a yoga class. Find what you love, and do it!
Change it up – variety is key. I become bored when I do the same thing over and over and over again. Repetition for me is an excitement killer. There are many ways you can change up your routine: use different machines, sign up for a different class, go at different speeds or levels, quit counting reps and race the clock instead. There are endless ways to add variety to your routine – the only thing standing in your way is you!
Stay focused. When my mind starts to wander and I lose focus on my workout, I can feel my body lose focus too. Try to stay present in each breath you take, each movement you make, and each muscle you are training.
Have fun! Listen to music you love. Trade in your run for 20 minutes of jumping rope or swimming. Better yet – hula hoop!
Reward yourself. There are days when I reeeeaally don’t feel like working out, but I become motivated when I know there is a reward at the end of it. I will treat myself to a juice, new sports bra, or face mask for getting through a tough workout session. It’s like setting a pot of gold at the end of your rainbow.
Skip the gym. Gasp! What did she say?! Yeah, you heard me, stay home and workout in the comfort of your own space. Make some room in your living room for an at-home yoga practice, cardio jam, or dance session. You can download or watch exercise videos from Netflix or YouTube AND you don’t have to deal with parking.
+What would you add to this list? Share in the comments.
Follow Joanna on Instagram. Modeled by Anna Trosko.
This is such a helpful and motivating list! My workouts consists of almost everything from kickboxing, dancing, HIIT, to Pilates!
http://livingblissfullybalance.weebly.com/
When I had to stop running because of a health issue, I knew it was still okay to walk, but after having been a runner, walking felt so boring and tedious, and seemed to take forever to accomplish the same level of fitness. And listening to music was just reminding me of how much I missed the running that used to go with it.
Then I discovered podcasts. A great interview or rant can make an hour and a half go by like nothing, even while trudging up a hill. Podcasts were the bridge for me. And in particular, WTF, with Marc Maron. Sometimes doing what you love can be about finding a new thing you love, then combining it with something that feels just okay. Now I love walking, too! (But I still want to get back to running…)