As you know, I love working out. I love the gym, hiking, obstacle courses, competitions and running like I’m preparing for the zombie apocalypse.

Workout routines are great, it’s what keeps you consistent. But it can also be what ends up boring you.

I’ve been working out consistently for about 8 years now. Unfortunately, in the past month or two, I’ve found myself slacking at the gym. Skipping days, only staying a very short time, and finding zero motivation to even go in the first place. I realized I was BORED.

(Also, a drastic change in weather and not wanting to get out of my warm bed didn’t help.)

So I went on a mission to switch up my routine. 

 

WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH IT UP

 

Consistency is key, but so is variety. When you find yourself doing the same exercises every week, not only does your mind and body get bored, it gets USED to everything you’re doing. Meaning, you can hit a plateau.

Ever noticed that you’re not gaining weight, but you’re also not losing it? You’re not losing muscle but you’re also not stacking any on?

Another sign that you’re hitting a plateau: you’re not sore. Yes, you read that right. While you shouldn’t always feel like you can’t get out of bed the next morning, being sore is perfectly normal. When your body gets used to the workouts you’re doing, it no longer feels sore. If you can’t remember the last time you were sore from a workout, it’s time to switch things up.

IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that muscles take anywhere from 24 – 48 hours to repair and rebuild. That means working it again too soon can lead to tissue breakdown instead of building. You actually get STRONGER when you recover, so make sure you’re incorporating recovery time for your muscles into your routine.

MUSCLE CONFUSION

 

Muscle confusion is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a training concept that is centered around a variety of workouts. The entire goal is to avoid hitting that pesky plateau. And that includes a plateau in motivation.

Your body should be challenged in order to avoid a decrease in performance and/or strength gains. It can be as easy as researching some new workouts online. You can check out my Pinterest board HERE for some instant inspiration!

Here are some things I started doing recently to switch up my routine and break out of the boredom cycle.

STAIRS

 

Okay, we have all seen or done the stairMONSTER. Climbing the stairway to heaven that never reaches any place at all.

It’s as exciting as running in place on the treadmill (which I’m not against).

 

Stairs are a killer workout. Obviously, the gym isn’t the only way or place to get those stairs done.

 

TAKE YOUR STAIRS OUTSIDE THE GYM

 

Find stadium stairs near you. Beg a friend to come along. Make it fun!

Or, if you’re like me and your friends only run if they’re being chased, do it solo.

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TAKE THE ACTUAL STAIRS

 

Exactly as I said. Any chance you get, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Workouts don’t have to be at a designated time or place.

They can even be where you least expect them!

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GET OUTSIDE

 

I joined this challenge a while ago called #60daystodiscover, a challenge that challenges you to go outside for 10 minutes a day, 60 minutes a week, for 60 days. Such an awesome idea! Everyone has 10 minutes a day to spare.

It can be as simple as walking around the block. It helps you get fresh air and sunshine. Even on days where you really don’t even want to do it, you find yourself so grateful for that small amount of time. It’s so simple, yet so effective!

GO HIKING

 

I will forever be an advocate of hiking. It doesn’t mean you have to climb the world’s highest peak! Just start somewhere! Any place you go that offers trails will also have varying difficulty levels. Do an easy stroll! I make it a point to get out in nature every single weekend. It’s honestly the only thing that keeps me sane.

TAKE A CLASS

 

It doesn’t matter if you already do classes, or if you’ve never done one in your life. Find a new class that sounds fun to you, and GO! I’ve been doing classes for 3 years now, and recently I found myself getting bored with those as well. They’re great classes, I just felt like my routine was getting mundane. So I took a new one!

HIGH FITNESS

 

Okay, full disclosure here: I’m not the most coordinated bear in the den. So when I originally heard about HIGH Fitness, I was a little hesitant. Is it a dance class? Yes, but with a twist. Think old-school aerobics meets HIIT training. It’s a one-hour total body workout, without weights! It’s a ton of jumping around, which works your calves like crazy and equaled me having a tough time walking for a few days after my first class. To me, that’s a win.

Most importantly, It’s a BLAST!!! It’s generally 3-4 different dance moves repeated per song, with about 10 songs per class. My class is two times a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and each week they have new routines. I love it so much, and it was just what I needed to switch things up.

You can find a High Fitness class in your area, but clicking here!

 

BUY NEW WORKOUT CLOTHES

 

That’s right. An excuse to go shopping. Can you really have too much activewear? No. The answer is always no. My husband constantly asks me why in the world I’m buying ANOTHER pair of active leggings. Uh, maybe because leggings are LIFE. I won’t apologize.

There’s just something about getting new workout clothes that will make you want to show them off. Whether it’s outdoors or in the gym, you’ll feel like the sexy goddess you truly are. Cute workout clothes boost motivation, period. Tell me I’m wrong.

Here are some of my favorite workout clothing!

ADIDAS

 

Adidas has literally been around since 1949. That’s 70 years!! And for good reason. Insanely well made, super cute work out clothing. And, bonus points: they’re very affordable!

The Adidas brand mission is to be the best sports brand in the world. They do that by designing, building and selling the best sports products in the world.

Check out some of my favorites by Adidas

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Whatever you choose to do to keep your blood pumping, just remember – the benefits of working out aren’t just weight-loss. Exercising has also been scientifically proven to make you happier (yay endorphins!), increase your overall energy levels, reduce your risk of chronic disease and even improve sleep quality!  You’ll get incredible benefits that can improve nearly every aspect of your health from the inside out.

So get moving!