Seven Ways to Get Out of the Exercise Rut!

Let’s face it, we all can get into a rut. After a while we’re bored and before we know it, we stopped exercising altogether. Don’t make being in a rut an excuse. Exercise can be boring and repetitive, but it doesn’t have to be. Get out of the exercise rut by following these tips! Here are seven ways you can change it up and keep on going!  

1. Make A Music Playlist  

Play upbeat songs that get you moving. There are a wide variety of workout music playlists online. They are broken down into different tempos for the type of exercise you are doing. Organize your playlists some for cardio days, some for weightlifting days, even some for long walks in the park. Even a book on tape as you walk will pass the time.  Music affects your performance by distracting you from the strain of your workout, helps you focus, helps you enjoy it more, you will sprint faster, improve your mood and make the workout seem easier.  The only advice would be if you have earbuds on, keep the volume down. If you like to run outdoors only use one earbud.  You should be able to hear your surroundings for your personal safety.

If you struggle to rise and shine in the morning, your accountability buddy will get you moving. You will want to get up, dress up and show up! You’re not alone, there’s someone who’s in it alongside you. You both will be motivated, have fun and get a few laughs in while you’re at it.

Your success rate will grow! When you have support and you support others, your success rate to achieve your goals greatly increases. Align yourself with a like-minded workout buddy and encourage each other’s progress. Instead of dreading your exercise time, you’ll look forward to it!

3. Get Out of the Exercise Rut – Play a Game      

Working out using machines at the gym, lifting dumbbells at home or running on a treadmill is not the end all be all. Consider joining a bowling league, softball league, or even play fun video games like Wii SPORT. Video games offer a wide variety of sports and even dancing! You can make them competitive, too.  There are also games you can play with dumbbells… toss a coin, heads 20 reps, tails, sprint on the spot for one minute.  Another fun one, write exercises on a slip of paper. Then randomly pick one from the pile. Activate your mind and muscles through adaptation. When you change things up, you will think and process… you’re not doing the same-ole thing!

4. Join Classes      

Many community centers and gyms offer a wide variety of classes. You can always drop in and observe, speak with the instructor and get all your questions answered. That way you will be ready to go and have a comfort level starting out.  It’s refreshing to break away from the routine and get in on the fun of a group class. Not only will you be energized by those around you, learn new exercises, but you’ll also make new friends, too.

5. Get Out of the Exercise Rut and Register for an Event   

Every town has annual run/walk charity fundraisers. I guarantee you will find many events in your neck of the woods. These events are a great way to help you achieve your fitness goals. Not only do you have fun training for them, but you also get fit and have fun in the process. They can help you hit your target! Find others to register with you and train together.

6. Time Warp…. Go Back in Time 

My favorite way to get out of the exercise rut is to go back in time. When I was a kid, my fondest memories from summer at my grandmother’s house were jumping on the trampoline, jumping rope, hula hoop, and roller-skating with my cousins. Who says these activities must be limited to our childhood? Find a trampoline, see how many times you can jump rope without stopping, find a local skate rink and give it a whirl… and test your hips and get your hula hoop groove on…   I bet you’ve still got it!

7. Take a Fitness Vacation to Get Out of the Exercise Rut!

Plan and fit and healthy holiday. Explore scenic hiking trails or waterways for kayaking. Locate a five-star gym with a spa and indulge in all the services. Relax and pamper yourself. Search for sporting events you’ve not seen in person, and cheer the athletes on… swimming, surfing, volleyball, track and field. You can book lifestyle retreats, boot camps, travel to a distant destination, explore and get your exercise on at the same time while you broaden your health and fitness knowledge.