Let's face it, slumps happen. Writers get writer's block, athletes experience performance lags. When stuck in an exercise rut, you may find reasons to skip workouts until, before you know it, you've forgotten where your gym shoes are and you know your sofa all too well.
Pull yourself out of a fitness slump with the following ways to breathe life into your exercise sessions:
1. A break is as good as a change
When workouts get hum drum, it's not necessary to completely abandon your current program and start fresh. Sometimes a break is all you need to get back on track. For one week, give yourself permission to abandon familiarity. Sign up for a new class, discard your weights and try cardio, get recreational with a hike or rollerblading, go dancing or take a yoga class. Perhaps what you really need is a nap. If fatigue is a factor, rest can be the best thing to get you excited about exercise again. When the week is up, you may have gained a new appreciation for your old fitness program.
2. Phone a friend
What are friends for if they can't commiserate with you through the grunt, sweat and fears of your dreaded workout? Not only does fitness partnership increase the likelihood of getting to and completing your scheduled workout, you're also more likely to work harder, have more fun, and maybe even get new ideas to motivate you when a buddy is near. The "phone a friend" option really works because your pal holds you accountable. Choose your friend wisely, pick an activity you can both enjoy, and get to it.
3. Be kind to barriers
Sometimes fitness motivation drops as a result of poor scheduling. Take a look at your weekly schedule. Have you chosen the best possible times for your workouts or are they times that are likely to be hit by distractions or other commitments? When workouts have to compete with meetings or deadlines, they rarely take first priority. Respect the importance of your exercise routine by scheduling it into time slots that are least likely to meet other challenges. Evaluate the feasibility of early a.m. workouts or shorter workouts at noon. Try exercising a different time. Your newly scheduled workout may be difficult to get used to at first, but it could offer fresh perspectives and provide you with the determination you need to strive towards consistency and success.
4. Class-ify your cardio options
If you've never tried a group exercise class, check your club's schedule and pick one that interests you. Many clubs cater to women and men in all areas of fitness, and group classes can energize in ways solo workouts can't. Already aerobicizing? Go to a class you've never been to. Sign up for Stripper-size, get a boost with boxing, cycle, step or pump. If you've never done it, you may be surprised by how much you like it.
5. Weigh your strength options
If you normally work with heavy weights and low reps on eight exercises, pick four of them and go for sets of 30. High-endurance sets will work your muscles in a different way and the "burn" can be great for laying down a stronger functional foundation for progressing back to your heavy weights. On the flip side, if you're always performing 12-15 repetitions with moderate to light weights, why not try heavier weights that only allow you to do six to eight reps? The fresh change to your workout is the difference between endurance training and strength training, and it means quicker, higher-intensity workouts.
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