If you feel as though your routine isn’t producing any positive changes, you’re most likely in a fitness rut. You may find yourself doing the same workout routine every day, not seeing any progress and feeling like life is meaningless. If you want to break free of this slump, get back to basics and focus on what really matters. Here are five ways to break free of your fitness routine.
First, give yourself a break. Taking a break will help you re-energize and regain your motivation. In some cases, low motivation may be your body’s way of telling you that it needs time to recover. This is known as burnout. Give yourself a rest period by planning a weekend or a week off. You may also need to add another rest day to your routine.
Secondly, try a new exercise. If you’ve been doing the same exercises for years, try switching it up a bit. If you prefer to work out in the morning, try a different time of day. Even if you’re working out in your living room, you can still try something new, like an intense sprint session. Changing up your routine will keep you fresh and give your mind a fresh perspective on your fitness routine.
Third, keep track of your progress. Try keeping a journal and writing down your average pace and weight lifted. Make sure to record your heart rate as well, and keep track of your scale weight. Record your body fat percentage as well. Keeping track of your progress will help you break out of a rut. If you’re unsure of why you’re not seeing results, consider tracking your workout stats for at least a few weeks.
Fourth, get back into your workout routine. Remember that motivation is like a muscle, and rebuilding it can take several months. A recent study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that it takes 66 days to form a new habit, so falling off the wagon won’t necessarily have a negative impact on your long-term fitness goals. Remember, however, that you can always start again and reap the benefits of a new fitness routine. The new pathways in your brain have already been formed.
Lastly, if you can’t motivate yourself to train, consider getting a workout partner. This will keep your motivation high and help you push through boredom. It may sound counter-intuitive, but music speaks to us on a deeper level than any other medium. You can also try to find a new playlist online, and let a friend motivate you to workout. There’s nothing worse than being bored and not getting motivated. So, start working out with your workout partner or friend!
Finally, enlist the help of a workout partner. Training with a workout buddy increases accountability. Working out with a partner requires a higher commitment and greater intensity. It also forces you to set a schedule for yourself and push each other harder. In short, working out with a friend is far more enjoyable than exercising alone. It’s also a great way to improve your social life and improve your fitness level.
