How To Avoid Workout Boredom and Stay Motivated

The key to staying motivated and progressing in your workouts is consistency! And, to stay consistent, it takes a certain amount of drive to actually want to show up and complete the workouts. You need to enjoy what you’re doing to avoid burn out or boredom, and this is true with almost anything … but let’s focus on workouts today.

Your brain creates less push back on doing the things you like to do, so hopefully these tips help you discover new things to try and incorporate into your workout routine. And if you’re in a serious boredom funk, maybe take a week to unplug and rest from workouts, reassess and restructure. Exercise can and should totally be something that you look forward to!

Try different days and times

If you’re tired of getting up early to exercise before work, experiment with different days and times to see if you like other options better. Do you have enough time for spinning on a lunch break? Can you make a bootcamp class happen after work? Some people thrive on early morning workouts, and others look forward to that time to blow off steam after a long, hard day. Try different things until you find what you prefer.

Put on a favorite playlist

Whenever I’m in a running rut, I create or find a new upbeat playlist to put on and press play. (Are we friends on Spotify?) I used to create playlists while training for long distance races on the regular because listening to songs I loved or that I could keep on pace with helped the miles go by quicker. Sometimes a good throwback playlist from the 90s fits my mood and it’s the beat drops that pumps me up other times. It’s your workout – you do you!

Shorten your time at the gym

If you’re feeling bored at the gym, you might be spending more time walking around wondering what to do than working out. There’s no need to spend more than an hour (unless you’re looking to be a body builder), and you can get an effective workout that produces results in 30-45 minutes. Stay focused and know what you’re doing before you start your workout. Make a goal to get in and out without rushing or skipping rests between sets.

Try new fitness classes (virtually or in person)

If group exercise classes are open again and you feel comfortable getting back into that space or trying it for the first time, go for it! Classes aren’t for everyone, but there are countless types of formats out there to pick from. From kickboxing and barre classes to Zumba and barbell strength classes, there are different types of workouts that appeal to a variety of crowds and fitness levels. Exercise should be fun, so don’t discredit a format that you’ve never tried. Once you find a class you love, you’ll subconsciously make it more of a priority to show up.

Set a goal that has nothing to do with your appearance

Step away from the vanity metrics for a bit and create goals that track your progress. This could be something like upping your weights or advancing your movements. It could be timing miles and working at shaving down the time it takes you to complete one. It could be kicking up the wattage on the rowing machine, or working on your endurance to feel less out of breath while climbing stairs. Non-scale victories are so important!

Take your workouts outside, weather permitting

If you’re not feeling motivated to stream a yoga workout in your living room, grab a laptop and take your mat outside for a change of scenery and *literal* breath of fresh air. (Doesn’t ideal weather produce the best moods?) Get off the treadmill and hit the trails. Bodyweight and minimal equipment workouts can all be done outside, as long as it’s not too hot or cold. Sometimes a new environment really helps!

Think outside of traditional workouts – just move

If committing to a normal workout routine seems overwhelming, think outside of the box by partaking in activities that you already know you love. Do you like being outside? Take the family for a walk through the park or hike. Throw a frisbee at the beach, take a swim or kick a soccer ball. The key is to get moving and stay active!

Monitor your movement with a tracker

Do you ever wonder how many minutes of your day were active? Fitness or activity trackers can be a huge motivator, especially if you feel satisfaction from hitting daily, attainable goals. I’ve been sporting an Apple Watch for almost three years now, and it would be hard for me to go without it now. Not only to I like feeling more distanced from my phone, but I love the reminders I get to keep the healthy habits going. You can track your stats and workouts to see your effort levels, and you can also set movement goals and reminders to stand, exercise, breathe and more.

Combine your television and workout time

One of my favorite things I did after clocking out from a full-time job in Orlando was going straight to the gym afterwards and unwinding with a 30-minute power walk, jog or run while watching television on the treadmill. I needed to zone out and turn my brain off, so it was the perfect way to transition into my workout after sitting all day. Also, some people like to work out at home with their favorite shows in the background. You really don’t know what works or what motivates you until you give different things a try!

Invest in new workout gear

You don’t have to go on a crazy shopping spree, but sometimes a new pair of running shoes or outfit can be the perfect kickstart to getting you out the door. It seems irresponsible to spend money on workout gear and not wear it, right?

Get a workout buddy or coach

You know your habits best. If you’re more likely to show up for a workout where someone is waiting for you on the other side, invest in a trainer/coach, get a workout buddy, or sign up for a program or studio where your attendance is noticed and missed.

Reward yourself

If you don’t like combining your workouts with television time, split them up and reward yourself with an episode of the show you’re watching only after your workout is complete. You can also pair workouts and rewards by scheduling a weekend fitness activity followed by brunch with a friend. If you’ve been working hard and feel sore from workouts, schedule a massage or pedicure. Incentives can go a long way!

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Questions for you:

• Are you currently in a workout slump?

• What are some things that have helped you kick workout boredom in the past?

I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Thanks for visiting Life In Leggings today, and I’ll catch you back here later this week for a new edition of Friday Favorites!

You might also like:

• 15 Common Fitness Mistakes You Might Be Making
• How To Stay On Track With Your Fitness Goals
• How To Easily Add More Movement Into Your Days
• How To Work Out Smarter, Not Harder