If you're one of the people who kept their New Year's resolution to start working out regularly, then this article is just for you. Going to the gym can be very enjoyable, especially when the first results start to show. But after a few months of intense training, you may reach a point where it all starts to feel familiar. The numbers on the scale also seem determined not to budge. You start to lose motivation and the desire to go to the gym. Exercises become a routine, and routine is one of the main reasons we often leave things unfinished.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to stay motivated and break your gym routine.
Workout program:
You've been following a particular program at the gym for a while, but the exercises are starting to get boring. You've grown tired of working specific muscle groups in the same way. It's leg day, so you'll do 4 sets of 15 squats with a 10 kg dumbbell, then move on to the leg press, followed by hamstring curls on a machine. It's all so familiar, and you've got the technique down. Our advice is to mix up your program. Add new exercises for the muscle group in question or drop some of your regular ones altogether. To do this, it's best to start training with a personal trainer, who knows how often to vary your program so your body doesn't get used to it.
Read more: Five Benefits of Working Out with a Personal Trainer
Alternate Between Solo and Group Workouts
Maybe you're a solo player, or perhaps you're a team player. Whether you prefer to tackle challenges on your own or as part of a team, stepping outside your comfort zone will bring plenty of benefits. The biggest icons of the modern world love to repeat this: “step outside your comfort zone”! That's exactly what we recommend you do to smash your routine to pieces. If you've been running alone on the treadmill or lifting weights while gazing out the window, add some group classes like boxing, Pilates, spinning or CrossFit to your gym visits. If you're part of an amazing Zumba group, try going to the gym on your own one day a week to build muscle on the bench. This will not only add variety, but also put your brain in an unfamiliar situation. This will boost the endurance of both your body and your mind.
Read more: The Benefits of Group Workouts
Switch gyms:
To break out of your routine, you can switch to a different club, where you work out. The unfamiliar location and arrangement of the equipment will get your brain back into “adaptation” mode, which, as we’ve already noted, is always a good thing. Try the different options offered by our modern fitness centers. If you’re in Sofia, you can visit our club in Lyulin (West Park), which has an outdoor athletics track and an outdoor CrossFit zone, or change up your workout with the extravagant disco-club interior and impressive accessories at the club on National Assembly Square (Deluxe). If you’d like to choose a club with a spa area overlooking the city and other activities that pair well with fitness, you can visit the center in Hadzhi Dimitar – Pulse Platinum. 15 minutes in the sauna will help you relax after a tough workout. You can also change the time you train. For example, if you currently go to the gym after work, try going earlier in the morning. You’ll lose an hour of sleep, but your day will be packed with energy and good vibes.
A variety of music:
Most fitness clubs play energetic, motivating music. If you’re not in the mood for what’s playing, you can rely on your own playlist. Bring comfortable headphones (the kind that won’t slip out when you sweat) and load up your favorite tracks. Even if you do the same exercise several days in a row, it won’t feel so repetitive with different music playing. Alternate your music with the club’s for an even wilder musical cacophony!
Change your workout gear:
It may sound crazy, but it’s actually quite important. Whether you’re a man or a woman, everyone wants to look their best. Think about when your workout goes best—it’s definitely when you’re wearing a new outfit and sneakers made specifically for exercise. When you see yourself in the mirrors while doing an exercise, you’ll like what you see more, and your workout will feel easier. Choose your workout gear at your nearest sports store or at the one in your fitness club, where the models are carefully selected and guaranteed to be high quality.
Read more: How to beat the winter blues
Do you have your own way of beating gym routine? If so, share it with us in a comment. If not, we believe these simple steps will help you find the motivation you need to reach your goals again.