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Have you been doing the same workout routine for what feels like forever?
If your workout routine works for you and you love it, then that’s great!
For many people; however, doing the same workout routine may feel repetitive and make it harder for you to see those results you are looking for.
But…don’t worry, I got ya!
Here are some fun ways to challenge yourself and change up your workout routine!
Fun Workout Routine Tips
1. Workout with a Friend
There is strength in numbers, quite literally!!
Working out with a friend is a nice change if you are used to working out alone.
Not only will it be fun hanging out with someone at the gym, but having someone to hold you accountable is an important component of reaching your goals.
You can be there to push one another to run faster and lift heavier.
Having a workout buddy is also useful for spotting and having someone to try new workouts with!
2. Take Your Workout Outside
Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to change up your routine.
Do some research and see if there is an outdoor gym near you. Outdoor gyms usually have workouts posted, so you don’t even need to go in with a plan.
You can also go for a run or brisk walk outside instead of on the treadmill.
If you intend on doing bodyweight exercises, why not try them on a beach, in a field, or at a local park?
3. Take a Group Fitness Class
Group fitness classes are a great way to try something new in a safe and fun environment. Most gyms offer group classes, and it is an easy way to see if you like a certain style of exercise.
You can try yoga, Zumba, barre, a strength class, cycling, and more!
Group classes often come with vibrant instructors and upbeat pump-up music, so you are sure to get a good workout in.
Adding a group class once a week is a great way to break up your usual routine.
4. Go Shopping for New Workout Clothes
If you are one of those people who LOVES your workout routine but still want to add in some new flare, going shopping for new workout clothes might be exactly what you should do.
I don’t know about you, but some days a cute outfit is what motivates me to workout in the morning.
It’s fun trying on new workout clothes and showing them off at the gym, or anywhere really. They’re usually pretty comfy, too!!
Graphic created by Apogee Fitness.
5. Take a Scenic Hike
Exercise does not always have to mean going to the gym!
In fact, a long hike is a very effective workout.
You can use a website or app like AllTrails to locate a hiking trail near you and sort them by difficulty, length, and distance from you.
You can reward yourself at the end with a healthy picnic and the scenic view that you will hopefully discover!
6. Try an Online, At-Home Workout Video
Believe it or not, you can get an insane workout in from the comfort of your home.
At-home workouts are wonderful because you are in your own space, you don’t have to commute to a gym, and many workouts you can do are free on Youtube!
Save yourself some time by trying an at-home workout some days.
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7. Add Incentives to Your Workouts
Incentives can be a powerful way to push yourself and really want to reach that next level.
Once you make a new personal record on your mile time or weight lifted or lose a certain number of pounds, reward yourself!
Having these small incentives for each milestone will make you even more excited to exercise.
For example, once you lose 10 pounds, you can set the incentive of taking a weekend trip to the beach.
You want to continue setting these goals and incentives and once you reach them, set more!
8. Do Your Workout Backwards
No, I don’t mean run on the treadmill backward although if you can do that, I am quite impressed.
I mean if you typically run a mile, then do machine exercises, and finish up with dumbbells, try starting with dumbbells, and working backward.
It might feel like you are doing a whole new workout!
This will also prevent you from just doing your workout zoned out on autopilot, which can typically lead to total and complete boredom.
9. Create a New Workout Playlist
Nothing gets me super pumped up like a solid workout playlist!!
I have the same handful of playlists that I cycle through, and I get so excited over trying new ones out. If you’ve been listening to the same album in the gym for a while, switch it up!
Listening to a new playlist can also make your workout feel new.
Choose some upbeat songs that make you want to dance, put your headphones on, and get the work done!
10. Incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to Your Workouts
HIIT is a great way to increase the intensity of your workout, increase your heart rate, and keep your workout exciting.
For example, if you always run a few miles on the treadmill before lifting, try doing a treadmill HIIT workout first.
You can find variations of treadmill HIIT workouts online, but they typically involve a combination of walking, jogging, and sprinting.
HIIT workouts are more tiring and extra effective. They will wake you up for sure!!
11. Switch Up the Days You Workout
If you usually work out Monday through Friday, you can try working out every other day instead.
Adding rest days in the middle of the week instead of on the weekend would be a nice change, especially if it means sleeping in a little on a weekday!
Changing your schedule will keep you on your toes and help switch up your routine.
12. Take a Week Off From Working Out
What?! Stop working out altogether?? Hear me out.
Taking a week off from exercising will give you time to reflect on routines that you genuinely enjoy doing and will help you figure out ones that you dread doing.
It will give you time to decide on what routines you want to focus on once you get back into exercising.
It will also give your muscles a break and time to rest, so you can come back feeling strong and refreshed.
Before You Go
I hope these ideas inspire you to change up your workout routine every once in a while.
Keeping up with moving your body no matter what you choose is important to your physical and mental health.
Remember that working out should be fun so if it ever feels boring or repetitive, you can choose a new method here to experiment with!
Just keep moving!
Michelle Gagliani
Owner & Founder
Michelle is the Founder of The Balanced CEO and a Holistic Nutritionist + Health Coach. She was born and raised in St.Thomas, U.S.V.I., and is currently living in Austin, TX. When she’s not running this blog and online business, she is cozied up at home watching TV, taking long walks in nature, or trying out new healthy recipes.
Great tips and advice! Thank you for sharing your experience and information for keeping up with the important task of staying active!
Thank you Holly!!! ?
Good ideas for changing it up.
Thanks Sabrina!
I think buying new workout clothes would work wonders! Also getting outdoors. We’ve been trying to go on more hikes & bike rides. Way more enjoyable than our wintertime workout routines.
Nice Kristin! Enjoy the outdoors while you can before it gets cold again!
I love all of these! I love working out and changing things up!
Thanks Lisa!
These are some great ideas for breaking out of a fitness rut. I’ve had trouble doing any cardio lately now that I’ve got plantar fasciitis. Any ideas? Even cycling is painful on my feet. I don’t have a regular pool to go, so swimming is out. Frustrating, because I was doing C25K right before the pandemic struck and my feet mutinied.
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that Maggie. I know that can be painful. I was actually going to suggest swimming which is the perfect cardio but I see you don’t have a regular pool. What about a community pool or beach nearby? Have you consulted with you doctor on this? I hope you feel better!!
These are great tips. I tend to get into a rut and get bored.
I understand that. It can make you feel unmotivated. Glad you liked my tips Tricia!
These are great tips…thanks!
? Thanks Melissa!
Since COVID, I’ve definitely upped my workout game. I’ve had to in order to reduce anxiety. But it’s been great. You’re so right that having a friend (aka my husband and kids!) alongside me every morning takes less self-motivation and ensures I get it done. And we do a scenic walk each morning and it really helps my mental health.
That is awesome Chelsea! I am glad it has helped with your anxiety. A scenic walk can be so relaxing. Thank you for sharing! ?
I love the creating a new playlist, taking it outside and finding new workout gear. New music makes things feel fresh, taking it outside allows you to forget its a workout necessarily if your focused on the the beautiful outdoors and I think new clothes makes you feel energized and excited to get at it!! Great tips!
Yes Amy!! Exactly!! Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the tips!
Yes, yes, yes!! Hiking always gets me out of an exercise rut
That is awesome Alexis!
I just took a week off from my workouts while I was on vacation and while I enjoyed the extra time to relax, it made my return to working out harder! Finding that right balance is key for me.
I know how that is Cas! It is harder to jump back in but once you do it feels so good! Hope you enjoyed your vacation!
I agree with all your tips. Thanks!
Thanks Christina!
Thank you for all the great suggestions. They definitely lead to success!
Thanks Douglas!!
It takes a lot of motivation for me! Working out with friends and hiking are both good ones I can embrace. I like to be social and active to keep in shape! š
That is really cool Debbie. Having company always makes it more enjoyable!
This is some good stuff. At times, I get stuck in a rut and tend not to want to do anything. I’m glad to know there are other options in the midst of this pandemic.
Thanks Vanessa! Yes! There is always a way.
Great tips. I am a runner, so I always have a robust training plan to keep me from getting bored. I also switch up my strength training every month or so.
That is awesome Heather. So you will never get bored ?
Great tips! We’ve been taking more hikes to add to our overall workout routine to mix things up and keep us motivated.
Hiking helps a lot, doesn’t it? Thanks Guy!
I’ve gotten out of my workout routine because we’ve been traveling. I need to get back to it!
Traveling can make it tricky but you got this Sara!
These are great! I just started a workout program at a Pilates club and I’m loving it so far!
Oooh that sounds fun Kendra!
I always find I get tired of my workout quickly, these are amazing tips for staying on track and enjoying your workout!
Me too! Thanks Leeandra!! ?
These are great! I like to change things up by adding a group class here, doing an at-home workout there, going for a hike during other times, etc.
That sounds like so much fun Danielle!
Love your suggestions! I’m going to try doing one of my workouts backwards!
Thanks Jill!! Let me know how it goes for you!
What I need to do is start working out.
Take that leap Santana. You got this!
These are wonderful suggestions for changing up workouts. I get bored so easily with the same routines.
Thank you Cindy! Glad it helped!