Stuck in a workout rut? Hey, we’ve all been there. Whether it is over-training, the need for a change, loneliness, or straight boredom, here are some great ways to face this challenge head on rather than throwing your gym bag into the closet or attic, never to be seen again:
Change the scenery: Try working out in a new place to make things more fun! Normally work out at the gym? Try your home, backyard, or a park instead! Sometimes just switching the scene up an make a huge difference!
Try Something New: I was in a bit of a rut last month, so I decided to bring the fun back to my workout by trying a new class. I took up Pole Dancing, gained a ton of upper body strength and had a blast doing it!
Get a Workout Buddy: Many of us get bored working out because we are doing it alone. Grab a friend or family member that you know whats to get into shape as well and plan a workout schedule that works for both of you. Studies have shown that people who work out together tend to stick with it!
Avoid Over-training: Many people make the mistake of thinking they need to change up their workout because they are bored, when really, they are over training themselves. Make sure you are taking rest days between working body parts (a great way to avoid this is to set up a circuit training schedule – so you alternate working different groups of muscles on different days) to prevent over-training.
Hire a Personal Trainer: I am not just saying that because I recently became one! Studies have shown that working out under close supervision does provide better results, not to mention, allows you to try new things that you may not have thought of yourself.
Change up your Routine: Already have a pretty well balanced plan in place? Trying switching it up. Maybe change the day of the week you do your workouts, or time of day. Try switching up your moves – if you normally do triceps extensions, try triceps dips instead! Making small changes like this will not only make things different (and hopefully more fun) for you, but it also confuses your muscles and provides better results.
What are your suggestions for overcoming a workout rut?
Jennifer is a 27 year old personal trainer living in Connecticut. She is "Coach Jen" at 
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m always motivated by fitness mags like Shape or Women’s Health. They have some fun strength training moves that are easy to add on to what you’re already doing. That and the pictures of all the buff ladies is pretty motivating too!
.-= hbobier @ Basil Vodka´s last blog ..Sporadic =-.
Wonderful examples! I was stuck in a rut in May. Well not really. I knew I was, so I decided to take May off, on going to the gym – and just do my running classes there, and play soccer.
Now that it’s over – I’m back at it! At the gym I go! Changing it up is key..
Hello Beautiful one!!!!!!!!
These are very good suggestions!! I dont know if I have any to add here, think you got it covered well!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great day! muah!
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Questions??!!! =-.
I get bored incredibly easy, so I definitely switch it up all the time. I don’t have a set workout plan each week because if I plan it out, I won’t do it. While this is not the most effective way to stay/get in shape, it is the best way for me.
I completely agree with workout buddy! I don’t have one (sadness!), but our roommate has just started going to a fitness bootcamp and that has definitely motivated me to keep up with my workouts.
I have been in a workout rut for awhile. But maybe if I wear that hot outfit in the picture…:)
Great post!
.-= Ashley@thehungryscholar´s last blog ..Sleeping In Parfait =-.
Great tips! I always try adding new songs to my iPod when I need a little motivation!
.-= Gabriela´s last blog ..Monster Post =-.
I’m with Gabriela – new songs on the iPod or try out some podcasts (this helped me during marathon training, when I have time to do other workouts besides running I don’t get that bored)
.-= Liz @ lizrunsdc´s last blog ..Free Time =-.
I love trying new things, either from magazines, blogs, or fitness dvds…I like to mix it up, even if it means running on a new trail.
.-= Mari´s last blog ..Tofu Guisado… =-.
Twitter: AMYSRANDOMNESS
June 3, 2010 at 3:47 pm
I have a friend that frequents the same work out room as I do- so when we’re not in there together, we’ll still check up on if each other went. It’s all about accountability!
.-= Amy B @ Second City Randomness´s last blog ..Weight Slammer Strikes Again =-.
I’m in a workout rut right now. I don’t feel like doing either of my regular workouts – stationary biking or running. Instead I’ve been switching it up by swimming or playing Wii fitness games!
.-= Christina´s last blog ..Eggless and Out of Breath =-.
Twitter: nicoleculver
June 3, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I love finding new workout classes to get me out of a rut. I plan on fully doing this after school gets out and I am work-free for the summer.
.-= Nicole @ Making Good Choices´s last blog ..Very Veggie Skewers! =-.
Awesome suggestions! I’ve definitely hit a rut before – great post (:
When I hit a rut it usually means I may be doing too much and just need a break! Or it may mean I need to change things up or come up with a goal to work towards.
.-= Lindsey (cardio pizza)´s last blog ..Look Better in the Buff! =-.
I definitely agree in switching it up & changing the scenery! I think exercise should be something you enjoy & experiment with…not monotonous
Thanks for linking my protein posts
.-= Danielle (Runs on Green)´s last blog ..Chocolate Fiend =-.
I have always wanted to try pole dancing!! For me, a change of scenery always helps. Sometimes just running a new route is fun!
.-= Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries´s last blog ..banana splitsville =-.
hahah pole dancing! How fun would that be! I would love to try that!
.-= Erica´s last blog ..Sweet Corn Off-The-Cob Salad =-.
Twitter: lauryannraik
June 3, 2010 at 10:37 pm
LOVE the Jane Fonda shot!
My cure for a workout rut…which is easy to get in when you exercise people for a living, then have to keep from getting bored yourself(!), is New Ipod Music, New sneakers, new exercise clothes…or a new toy to play with…or a fun exercise partner always re-vamps me!!!
Very excited to see what you have planned tomorrow!!! You’re so sweet for including me
xoxo
L
.-= Laury @ thefitnessriot´s last blog ..Quinoa Stuffed Peppers & Outdoor Workouts & Such =-.
The personal trainer idea is really a good one. I did a couple sessions with one and it completely recommitted me to weight training. I’m loving it!!
Twitter: SuperheroAngie
July 26, 2010 at 1:14 pm
LOL! I love this picture of Jane Fonda. My Mom did this workout every single day!
Twitter: kenpblogger
December 14, 2010 at 6:14 pm
What a great post! I have been an on-again off-again exerciser for so many years now and when I quit exercising, it is usually for one of those reasons above. I am trying to make a real change in my work-out habits so I recently joined a gym that is right down the road from me and I finally hired a trainer. I never realized what an asset they could be! You know, I read all of the magazines that offer exercises and I already knew how to use the machines, so I really thought a trainer was a waste of time. Boy, was I wrong. I just had my third session with her and I am just amazed at all the changes I can see in such a short time.
Kendall´s last [type] ..Exercise and Asthma
I am at the same gym as my sister. if she would not always motivate me to keep up training i probably stuck in a rut. so i think the best tip for motivation is the workout buddy.