3 Easy Ways To Mix Up Your Workouts and Keep Your Fitness Goals on Track

We’ve all been there before… stuck in a rut, frustrated with a weight loss plateau, or just plain bored with our exercise routine. If you’ve hit a wall or your workouts have become monotonous, it’s time for a change. Whether you’re new to fitness or a veteran athlete, we all need new challenges to keep us engaged in our workouts and working toward the results we want.

Boredom is often the first sign that you need to hit the reset button on a fitness routine but there are others too.

1.  Try Something New

Has the muscle soreness you felt in the first few weeks of your workout disappeared? If so, that means your body has adapted to the workout. But you can improve your fitness by gradually increasing your workout. An easy thing to do is add more reps or weight to a gym workout or go on a trail run if you’re used to flat terrain.

2.  Monitor Your Heart Rate

Checking your heart rate during a workout or wearing a heart rate monitor is an easy way to gauge your effort level. If your body isn’t reaching its target heart rate, you’re not working hard enough.

3.  Revamp Your Workout

If you’re able to go on with your day without showering then your routine is likely getting stale. Your shirt doesn’t need to be drenched but a good workout should saturate your gym top.

Is your workout in need of a revamp?

Try out a group fitness class or set a goal to train for an event. These options might be just what you need to break out of your rut.

Bootcamp/HIIT workout

Looking for a real challenge? Bootcamp or HIIT classes consist of high-intensity cardio and strength training, and make you work harder and push past plateaus. You will gain muscular endurance, tone and definition and experience an increased after burn. These types of classes are designed for participants who want to increase their intensity level, maximize workout benefits and see faster real results from their efforts.

Zumba

Dance Fitness classes like Zumba for those who enjoy dancing are a fun way to change up your routine. Classes are usually for all fitness levels so whether you’re new to dancing or have previous dance experience, a class like this will be a welcome and exhilarating change.

Marathon or Cycling Event

Train for a fitness event. Some of us need a goal to work toward. So, whether it’s a 5K, marathon or cycling event, training for an event could be just the kick you need to create a challenge for yourself and to keep your body engaged.

Yoga

Get Zen with Yoga. Yoga is a fitness trend that is here to stay. It offers wide-ranging physical health benefits that rival other forms of exercise. Focusing on physical postures, yoga can improve cognitive function, boosting concentration and memory. There is also “hot yoga” that is performed in a heated room and is effective in increasing flexibility in your shoulders, back and hamstrings. Best of all, yoga can lower stress levels and improve posture, coordination and balance as well as build muscle strength.  Read how to use yoga to detox your body.