Home workouts have become an essential part of 2020. With gyms closed and more people working out from home now more than ever, it can be pretty easy to get in an exercise rut.
I’ve definitely been in an exercise rut before, so I’ll be sharing my top 12 tips for how to break your rut and enjoy working out again!
Tips for Getting out of an Exercise Rut
1. Think of your “why”
I talk about having a “why” a lot. Whether it be a “why” for working out, finding food freedom, going to college, or whatever it may be. You need to have a strong reason that guides and motivates you.
If your “why” for working out is just to change your body, I can tell you that it’s not going to last. Your “why” needs to come from something deeper than that, because the second your body doesn’t change, you’re going to resent exercise.
I used to look at exercise only as a way to change my body. Now, I love to go for walks to take a break from school, Pilates to feel strong, yoga to start my day off on the right foot, or higher intensity movements for stress relief (read more about finding an exercise you enjoy, here). Think of why you like to exercise that has nothing to do with changing your body.
2. Switch up your workout time
If you’re in an exercise rut, it may be because you’re sick of the time of day you’re working out. I used to work out as soon as I woke up. That worked for a little bit, but of course, I got sick of it.
Now, I love to wake up, having a good breakfast, then work out later in the afternoon before lunch. This way my mornings have slowed down, and I have something in the day to break up my school work.
Try switching to working out at night or the morning if you’ve never done that. It can add a new element to your workout and give you a fresh appreciation for it.
3. Take a break
This may be a hard one to hear, but if you’re in a deep exercise rut, you may need to take a break.
It’s so easy to become burnt out both physically and mentally from exercise if you’re overdoing it. Whether you take a break for a week, month, year, or whatever it may be, I can promise you that you’ll come back to working out with a new appreciation for it.
It gives you clarity as to why you want to be working out, as well as something to strive for when you come back to it. Don’t worry, your body is not going to change if you stop working out for a bit.
You may discover some new hobbies you enjoy like meditating, writing, knitting, or baking!
4. Make a new playlist
There’s nothing a fresh playlist can’t fix. Either make your own pump-up playlist or find one that works for you and your vibes (I love Sarah’s Day Spotify playlist, “Sezzy Sounds: SWEATY“).
Running or working out to the same music can be a drag, so try changing it up to see if that gets you out of your rut!
5. Get creative with equipment
Working out from home is convenient, but it’s hard when you don’t have all of the equipment you’re used to. I enjoy lifting weights, but I don’t have the money or room to buy a fancy rack of weights.
For lighter weights, I like to use cans. You can also fill up milk jugs with water or sand for some heavier weights. This can be a fun way to use some of your creative juices to make the equipment, then use them to work out!
6. Find a workout buddy
Having someone you can consistently work out with is great. Whether it be in person, on Zoom, or even someone who makes workout videos on Youtube (I’ve been loving Sydney Cummings). It makes you feel less alone and adds a new motivation factor to it.
This just makes working out more fun and transforms it into a social event. You can motivate each other, share your wins, and encourage both you and your partner to do their best.
7. Move it outside
Weather permitting, working out outside is amazing! I got into running last year in the Spring, and it was so refreshing. Something about being outside just totally transforms a workout.
Maybe try your next HIIT workout in your backyard, go for a walk outside, or do some sunrise yoga in the grass. This can take a workout from mundane and boring, to fresh and exhilarating.
8. Fuel your body
If you’re constantly feeling drained and tired from your workouts, maybe you need to look at what you’re eating.
Diet can play a huge role in why we don’t always want to workout. I don’t mean a fad diet, I mean the food that you take in every day. It’s so important to give your body adequate energy to aid in muscle repair and prevent fatigue.
If you usually workout fasted, try adding a snack rich in carbohydrates before you exercise. Maybe you don’t eat for a few hours after your workout, so you can try incorporating a snack with protein and carbohydrates afterward.
Whatever it is, give your body the energy it’s asking for!
9. Find some new workout clothes
I totally understand that this isn’t reasonable for everyone, but if you’re able to invest in a few new workout pieces, I totally recommend it.
You don’t have to go to Lulu Lemon or join Fabletics for this, just try going to TJ Maxx or Old Navy to find some great pieces! I’ve gotten a lot of leggings at Old Navy and tops at TJ Maxx that I love to work out in.
When you feel confident and comfortable, it’s going to radiate into every aspect of your life.
10. Self-care and stretch
It’s so important to be incorporating self-care and stretching into your workout routines. You may be in a rut because you’re not giving your body the TLC it needs.
I’m guilty of this, too. Sometimes I’ll do a workout that made me feel great, but I don’t take the time to properly stretch afterward. If you have 40 minutes in your day to workout, you can take 5-10 minutes to stretch.
11. Lower the intensity
Back when I was a bit too obsessed with working out, I thought that every workout had to be super high intensity and make me a sweaty mess in order to “count.”
Now, I love to incorporate slower movements like yoga, Pilates, or walking into my week to give my body some rest. Not that those aren’t amazing workouts, they just hit different muscle groups and body parts.
Try lowering the intensity of your workouts to see if that helps with your rut.
12. Give yourself GRACE
If you’re in an exercise rut, there may not be a reason or quick fix to it. Don’t beat yourself up and try to just “push through it” because you think that you have to.
Give yourself grace and take the rest your body deserves. If you’re in a rut and constantly try to push through it with more movement you’re not enjoying, you’re just digging yourself deeper in.
I hope that these tips help you if you’re in an exercise rut or just looking to switch up your workouts!
xoxo
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