Tips to Help You When You Find Yourself in a Workout Rut

First things first, I’m not a fitness expert by any means. BUT if you’re anything like me, you are starting to get frustrated with all of the “experts” out there. Telling you to first “do this,” but then a new study comes out and really, “doing this,” is actually hurting your physique.

As I am a fairly modest person, I hate to even admit that I am actually in good shape. Of course I have the occasional terrible-no-good-for-you-in-any-shape-or-form meal or snack…but hey, I’m not claiming to be perfect.

Although I may fall off the healthy food wagon sometimes, I always at least balance it with a good workout schedule. I am someone who puts fitness as a part of my daily routine. I schedule it right into my agenda so I know I will get it done. Where did I gain this mandatory-workout mindset? I got it from being an athlete.

I grew up with sports. Tennis, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, cheerleading… you name, I did it. For those of you who think kids these days are over-worked, take a good, long look at the obesity totals in children today…I’m sure your viewpoint will change. Obviously there is a fine line of “living through your kids” and just making sure they stay active, but you get my point. I am so thankful that my parents enrolled my sisters and me in sports as children because it taught us that staying active was just a part of life! All three of us continued to play sports throughout middle school, high school, and even through college (two played NCAA DI tennis, while I played NCAA DIII tennis and 2 years of collegiate track & field). Now, as adults, we have the same mindset to stay active and make it a part of our daily schedules.

All sounds fine and dandy, right? No, not so much. I’m human. I get bored with the same workout routine, working out at the same time every single day, and sometimes not having the extra push to get to the gym. Here’s the thing…I can’t let these annoyances or boring workouts get the most of me. So how do I combat them? Below I have provided a few tips that may help you when you find yourself in a workout rut. Keep in mind, just because these tips work for me it doesn’t necessarily mean each will work for you, but I thought I’d share:

1. Spice it up. Try a new activity or sport. Belong to a gym? Sign up for classes. I can definitely say, from experience, this works! I signed up for a 6-week boot camp at my gym. While the 5:15 AM workout did not seem appealing at first, I knew I would feel better and even gain some new tips to enhance my personal workouts! Man, I noticed results after the first two days (no, I’m not exaggerating). Having an instructor push you to try your hardest really put me back in “athlete mindset.” I had a practice. I had a coach. I had to work my butt off to stay on top of everything. In the end? I was ready to sign up for another session!

2. Sign up for a race. Registering for a future 5k, 10k, Half or Full Marathon, etc. will give you the extra “umph” to workout. After dropping some moolah for a race, you’ll be SURE to train your best so that on the race day you will feel SUCH a sense of accomplish and of course get your money’s worth.

3. Make it work. Make working out a part of your daily schedule. Have plans after work? Get a workout in during your lunch. Have plans at lunch? Get yourself out of bed a little early and get to the gym. Making your workout a vital part of your day will ensure that you’re getting at least your 30 minutes of daily activity. Also, with a couple weeks of this mindset, adding fitness to your daily routine will become a no-brainer!

I hope some of these tips will help you increase your fitness activity and help you get moving on a daily basis! I guess I should mention that I also have an additional motive…I’m engaged to be married in the fall. Fitting into that wedding dress and having toned arms for the wedding pictures are a must!

When Ali isn’t running, playing tennis, or trying new workouts, she can be found promoting fitness to all the techie guys in the office. In addition to fitness, Ali also promotes clothing and formal wear such as the prom dresses found at Peach’s Boutique (which is fun since she is searching for bridesmaid dresses for her wedding!!).