Hey Friends! How’s it goin?
Can you believe the first quarter of the year is almost over already? As April comes to an end, I’m reminded of what a struggle it can be to keep my fitness resolutions alive once summer comes around. Many people, myself included, don’t really enjoy exercising when they start down this path to health and fitness. It’s definitely more of a chore for the first few months and it’s so easy to just give up because you don’t like what you’re doing.
Recently, I’ve been skipping more than a few workouts and letting life get in the way of my fitness. But, I still remember the days, about 6 months into my fitness journey, when I started getting excited about going to the gym and getting my sweat on. I’m not sure what’s changed but I want to get back to that place. So today, I’m sharing some tips for spicing up your workout life, and hoping that I’ll take my own advice.
1. Try something new
When I first joined GoodLife Fitness, one of the personal trainers gave me some sample exercises and I honestly did those every time I went to the gym for the next month. That got old super quickly and I ended up skipping my gym days because I didn’t enjoy doing the same workout all the time. Eventually, I started mixing it up and would get excited about the days when I knew I’d be trying a new exercise, class or workout routine.
Over the winter, I fell into a bit of a workout rut again and my desire to actually get to the gym slowly evaporated. I know myself and I need more of a challenge than the same old routine that I can do with my eyes closed. So, it’s definitely time to switch it up with a new routine.
2. Get some new gear
I remember when I got new workout shoes as the beginning of last year and couldn’t wait to show them off at the gym. It didn’t matter that no one but me knew they were new, I had the best time trying them out. And the same thing happened when I got new shorts or yoga pants.
Needless to say, I love heading to the gym when I have new workout gear. But the last time I got any new gym stuff was back at the end of summer. It’s no wonder that I don’t get excited about changing into my workout clothes when the time comes. Definitely time to add some new pieces to my wardrobe.
3. Make a new playlist
I’ll admit that I’m astronomically bad at keeping my workout playlist up to date. I’ve had the same workout playlist for the last 6 months and the one before that for about 8. There are days when I don’t even bother to grab my iPod because even hearing the commercials that play over the speakers at the gym are better than what’s on there. But when I do get around to switching out my music, I always have a great workout while jamming out to the new stuff.
Take it from someone who knows…changing up your playlist every so often totally influences how much you enjoy exercising. If you’re tired of hearing the same song 132 days in a row your workout is definitely going to reflect that. Luckily, there’s an app for that.
4. Buddy up
There are days when I enjoy working out alone. I’m focused and there are no distractions and I just go. But sometimes I need an extra push and that’s where a workout buddy comes in. While I wouldn’t enjoy exercising with someone else every single time I go to the gym, it’s great to have someone there to encourage me when I need it. We help motivate each other to get through our workouts and push each other to test our limitations in ways we probably wouldn’t have if we were alone.
Unfortunately, all my workout buddies have flown the coup now that the semester has ended. But, I’ll have to figure something out, because I’m definitely in the market for the extra support a workout buddy can provide.
5. Make it an adventure
A little more than a year ago, I went rock climbing, and while I was scared out of my mind, I must admit that it was an amazing workout. And the best part was that I didn’t even realise that I was working out – which is always great.
So if you don’t enjoy exercising right now and a Zumba class just isn’t gonna cut it for you try something a little more out there. Go rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding or even just for a hike. Basically, you want to go for something that gives you a workout and feeds your inner adrenaline junky at the same time. Trust me, it’ll be epic.
What about you?
Do you love exercising or hate it? Do you enjoy your workouts? How do you keep your workouts interesting?
Share in the comments below!
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This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program; however all opinions expressed are my own.
Originally published in February 2014. Updated in April 2015.
Great tips! Sometimes it’s easy to forget how much I love exercising.
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted…Three Things Thursday 2/6
Thanks Clarinda! I know exactly what you mean…when I take more than a couple days off I swear that I hate it lol
GiselleR recently posted…Peanut Butter Oatmeal Brownie Pancakes
I love exercising. It feels like the only thing I do during the day that is just for me! I like to watch old TV shows on Netflix while I run on the treadmill. It feels like a treat. 🙂
Kimberly recently posted…Emeals Makes Healthy Dinners Easy
Great post! I was actually getting sick of running during my holiday run streak, but in January I tried out some free spin and Barre3 classes and I fell in LOVE with Barre3! It’s something I never thought I would try but it’s the perfect compliment to running. I’m so glad I tried something new because now I love working out!
Kristen recently posted…Fabulous Friday!
Thanks Kristen! Spin is definitely not my thing but I’ve been hearing so much about Barre3 lately that I’ve been dying to give it a try! Glad you found something that gave ya back your workout mojo 😀
Great tips, Thanks. Happy Saturday Sharefest! 🙂
Star Forbis recently posted…An Attitude Of Gratitude!
Thanks for stopping by Star!
All great tips! New gear does it for me every time, and one can’t underestimate the power of good music 🙂
Ree recently posted…2014 olympic opening ceremonies: best & worst dressed
ahhh the tunes.
loud,
thumping.
OLD SCHOOL HIPHOP and Im back in the workout game.
CARLA recently posted…Happiness bullying.
Old school hip hop! Haven’t had that on my playlist in a while. I’m feeling an update coming on haha
Getting new gear and trying a new fun class always motivate me when I am feelig blah. Good tips!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Simply Ancient Grains-Cookbook Review
Great tips! I don’t usually need a lot of motivation to get moving, but when I’m feeling burned out at the end of a training cycle (ahem, now…) I find that getting new gear/clothes really helps perk me up. Crazy, right?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Courage
Definitely crazy. But I don’t question it since it works LOL
Excellent tips Giselle. I think switching it up is key. Repetition gets boring very, very quickly!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Why I #KeepItTight & Pro Compression Giveaway
Thanks Jen! Glad you agree 😀
Giselle these are great tips! Changing it up can be so cathartic. Exercise is totally a habit for me at this point, but because I’ve been running for so long, it does get stale. That’s why I challenged myself with swimming and triathlon. : )
Marcia recently posted…Masters Swim 101
Yes! I need to find a challenge like that soon. I’ve actually been thinking more and more about picking up running again since it’s getting warmer. Maybe that’ll help me find a good groove again!
Great tips. changing things up really helps the mind clear and restart.
This wouldn’t help my client who HATES to workout LOL. I suggested that she has to think about it like taking her high blood pressure medicine. She’s so bad that she drove her son to the park and watched him play from the car. I told her that this would have been a good time that she could have walked around the playground as he played. I also suggested that she take a dance class like Stepping or Salsa.
The Frugal Exerciser recently posted…Fitness Gifts For Mother’s Day 2015
Hope you all find something that works for her!
I love the pep in my step I get when I have new workout gear!! Also yes, the buddy system works wonders, you will be surprised how hard it is to bail on a friend!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Chimichurri Sauce
True! My gym attendance was a lot less spotty when I was going with a friend who kept me accountable!
All great tips! I’m always intimidated to try new things, but its a great way to switch it up. Our bodies and minds love variety!
I love exercise but hate “working out” –know what I mean?
Margo recently posted…New Conference & Festival News! @TipsOfTheScale Conference and @Wanderlustfest Summer 2015 Dates
I feel ya Margo! Sometimes ‘working out’ feels like such a chore. Exercising can be a lot more organic and fun.
Great tips! I’m definitely guilty of falling into a routine rut! I love using Pandora and Spotify to find new music I like!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Weight Watchers Week 12
I just started working out about 4 weeks ago, every other morning. I’ve been doing PiYo and I love it! I do it in the early morning so when I wake up I always tell myself I’m too tired to work out. What keeps me going is knowing how awesome I feel afterward!
Jaime recently posted…Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Yay you for making it this far! The first few weeks are always the hardest.
I’ve heard such good things about PiYo, but I haven’t tried it yet. Glad you’re enjoying it though 🙂
A new workout playlist always gets me pumped to go to the gym. Same with trying a new class. If I don’t feel like working out I will look up my gym’s class schedule and see what I can take.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…7 Costco Shopping Secrets I Didn’t Know About
I seriously did that this morning haha. There was nothing I actually wanted to take though so I decided to go with an at home workout.
love working out… and LOVE these exercising simple tips! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Amazing Women Everywhere
I love exercising now, but it wasn’t always that way. I think the key is finding an activity you truly enjoy. For me, my first love was walking and from there my fitness loves matured and grew.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…2015 Fabulous & Fit Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Very true. I found my love of fitness through group exercises. And as I got more comfortable with BodyPump especially, I fell more and more in love with lifting. Need to get back to that place again!
Yay I got excited when I saw the #didyouknowlink in the link-ups! I’ve noticed you know where all the parties are at! Do you have a list of all the link-ups you join?? I’m looking for more to participate in! 🙂
Also I agree with all of these..especially changing it up and making it an adventure! I totally notice when I’m getting bored of my routine I just stop slash make excuses not to do it.
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted…Chocolate Covered Blueberry Protein Shake
I don’t have a full list written anywhere, but the ones at the bottom of this post are where I link up more informative type posts and then if you check the bottom of one of my recipe posts you’ll find a bunch of DIY/recipes linkups.
And then I’ll sometimes linkup with WIAW and Thinking out Loud.
PS How do you republish old posts like this with the original comments??
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted…Chocolate Covered Blueberry Protein Shake
When you go to edit the post, you can change the publish date in the panel with the ‘preview changes’ and ‘update’ buttons. I usually switch the post back to a draft and then reschedule it for whenever I want it to go live again. But, I try not to do that too far in advance so readers don’t get an error if they try to visit the link.
If that made no sense at all, let me know and I’ll shoot you an email with some screen shots!
Hmm this makes sense, but will it show up like a new post in feeds like bloglovin or do you have to re-promote it? I have it set up to auto post my new posts to FB, Twitter, etc so just curious how that works. Thanks for your help, lady!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted…Chocolate Covered Blueberry Protein Shake
Once you change the date to something current or in the future it will show up as a ‘new’ post in the RSS feed so bloglovin, your newsletter, FB etc. will publish it again. And no problem! Glad to help 🙂