OK – I feel like this is a pretty hot topic. Not just in headlines, but in nearly every group of women (and men!) I know. It’s like this: something gets you motivated to make working out and eating right a priority and you go gangbusters for anywhere from six months to a year…and, then suddenly you’re just tired. That spin class you used to be addicted to is suddenly boring, that yoga class that was your go-to after a long day at the office has turned into a clock-watching sesh and even your personal trainer isn’t doing it for you anymore. We all go through this. It’s a cycle that just seems to happen time and time again, eventually causing weight gain, unhealthy habits to resurface, a bit of a downer mentality and well…it’s just hard to get back in the game. So what do you do? I’m just like anyone else and have found myself in a fitness rut more than once, but here are my ideas for how to get out of the rut and make fitness fun again.
How to Get Out of a Fitness Rut
Change it up. This is so essential in the fitness game for so many of us. While we often find that class or trainer out there that gives us a fitness high like no other, it eventually gets a little boring. Turns out all that working out means you get stronger, faster, more focused and suddenly these classes aren’t as challenging. You know what happens next? Your skills and strengths are exceeding the challenge put forth – so, you get bored! Changing up your fitness routine is exactly what you need to stay on your toes. Go WAY out of the box with this one…don’t just switch from one spin class to another, try something totally new like kickboxing, Crossfit or even small group or personal training. Once you increase that challenge, you’ll be back in learning mode and back on track.
Find a fitness buddy. This is a MUST. Having a friend to help keep you accountable and to make it fun will keep you moving on that fitness path at the speed of light. When you’re excited to see your friend, chat it up and watch him or her experience a challenge too, it will make it all so much more enjoyable. When you love spending time with someone, more than likely you’ll be inspired to not only stick with it, but get excited about it too.
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Think about that first time you went for a run or joined a new gym – it was probably completely intimidating. Fitness isn’t just a physical challenge, it’s very much rooted in your mind too. It’s about concentration, dedication and discipline and sometimes that means pushing your mental self to places you’re not sure you have the capability to go. But, here’s the thing – once you go there, you’ll feel that high and you won’t want to come back down. Let’s say you’re trying to take your yoga practice to the next level…it’s time to try some inversions, but standing on your head or hands feels nearly impossible and you’re actually scared. This is all in your head. You’ve got this. You can do this, but it’s gonna take getting out of your comfort zone. Balance that fear with your ability to try new things and push yourself to be the best version of you.
I often feel overwhelmed by the fitness rut and struggle to get out, but I have found over the years that if I remind myself it’s time for a change, ask a friend to join me and to let go of the fear of pushing myself, I can easily get back in a groove. Do you struggle with this? What do you do to get back on track?
