10.15.15 10

Getting Out of a Workout Rut

We’ve all been there. The workout rut. Those days where you just can’t force yourself to go to the gym. Or you do go to the gym and you get easily bored. If you are bored at the gym you are probably in a workout rut. You also probably need help getting out of a workout rut. I am here to give you my tried and true tips for getting out of a rut and staying out of it. I have talked before about fitness motivation and these two things go hand in hand.

Getting Out Of A Workout Rut

I did not always love going to the gym. I was always active growing up and once I got into college I realized that freshmen fifteen was real and those glazed donuts and Dr. Pepper I was feeding myself for breakfast weren’t going to work themselves off. So I started going to the gym. Usually I would get bored after about 20 minutes and leave. Over the years I have discovered a few things that help.

  1. Intervals: If you are doing cardio at the gym intervals are great for staving off boredom. I do intervals for walking at an incline, elliptical and biking. I usually start low and go high on intensity and change it every 2-3 minutes. This can make 40 minutes of cardio go a lot faster and burn more calories.
  2. Take a new class: I have talked about this in other workout posts but man taking a new class can really get you out of a fitness rut quickly! I recently took a new to me PiYo type class and it was such a challenge in a good way. I now try to mix in at least one group exercise class into my weekly workout routine. Bonus points if you take a friend with you. You are more likely to go back if you know someone in the class.
  3. Up your weights: Nothing is worse than working out and feeling like you didn’t have much of a workout at all. Whenever this happens to me it is usually because I am too used to the weight I am using. I meet with a personal trainer once a week and this helps me increase my weights a lot. He will notice when something isn’t challenging enough for me and kick my booty so to speak. Because of this I spend the next week working on the stuff we have done. Let me tell you I am not bored anymore.
  4. Add some new music: If I add some new fun music, a new spotify playlist or download some fun podcasts the workout just flies by. I actually look forward to my gym time because I know I can catch up on my favorite podcasts. I have been listening to Gilmore Guys, BOF Podcast, The Shipping Room and The Blaze. All fun if you are a TV junkie like me. I swear before I know it I have been at the gym for over an hour. Sometimes I work out longer just to finish an episode. I think having something fun to listen to is great motivation to get to the gym.

Those are just a few of my tips and tricks for getting out of a workout rut. While I am no expert in fitness I do know what works for me. I hear people say all the time how they hate going to the gym and from someone who used to not love gym time these things have helped a ton.

What are your tips for getting out of a workout rut?

Leave a Comment

10 Comments

  1. Annmarie wrote:

    Awesome tips! I am usually pretty self motivated but I have tired myself out from traveling/marathon training and have found getting up in the AM a struggle! Hopefully going to kick it back into gear next week 😛

    Published 10.15.15
    Reply
  2. My issue is….. going. Like I’m signed up for my first half marathon in June and I can’t even run around the block. Combine that with harsh northern Wisconsin winters and I can’t really train outside without dying. So I need to come up with a plan B but instead I’m reading books and catching up on Netflix. LOL.

    Sara’s Organized Chaos

    Published 10.15.15
    Reply
  3. Kate wrote:

    i needed this thank you!!

    Published 10.15.15
    Reply
  4. Trish wrote:

    I really need to stop making excuses. I feel like I get involved with something and then get bored. I need to introduce new things and get over the fear of going to classes alone.

    Published 10.15.15
    Reply
  5. Those fitness ruts *definitely* come, but I just make up for it by really carpe diem-ing the days when I’m feeling more motivated in my workouts! If I’m feelin’ it, I’ll go harder and push myself. That way, if I wake up the next day with zero desire to go lift, I still am staying active and doing what I gotta do!

    Coming Up Roses

    Published 10.15.15
    Reply
  6. Oh man, I was in such a rut myself until I tried out an Orange Theory Fitness class and now I’m hooked! They do a lot of interval training like you mentioned and the trainers are really dedicated to you getting stronger. I never looked forward to my workouts before and now I totally do!

    Published 10.15.15
    Reply
  7. These are great tips to waive off the “boredom” sometimes… my problem is – I just need to “restart” any kind of a workout! Thanks for sharing!

    Published 10.16.15
    Reply
  8. Jessa wrote:

    I am in a workout rut right now. I don’t know what it is but I’m just not feeling it right now.

    Published 10.17.15
    Reply
  9. Shann Eva wrote:

    These are great tips. I especially like the idea of taking a new class or changing up the music. Music really gets me going, and having new songs is the best.

    Published 10.17.15
    Reply
  10. Pure Barre classes and running. Those are pretty much my two mainstay workouts at this point. I have the option of being indoors for class and outdoors for running.

    Published 12.8.15
    Reply