Blog: Jill, Are You In a Workout Rut?

Are You In a Workout Rut?

Perhaps you’re going through a nasty plateau you can’t bust out of?  Or you’ve returned from your summer vacation, and can’t seem to get back on track with regular workouts?  Have you ever worn yourself out from too many workouts and didn’t allow your body rest?

If you’ve experienced any of these scenarios, chances are you are not alone.  Everyone (well maybe I could name a few exceptions) goes through them, and we’re here to help give you ideas on how to plow through your workout rut!

• Find a friend or family member to join you:  Personally, the best way for me to get my butt out for a run is to have a friend hold me accountable.  This is no joke.  I can name several friends who will gladly raise their hands high to vouch for me.  Now call, text, or email that person.  I’m willing to bet they’d be so relieved to have someone to hold them accountable as well.  It’s a win/win!
•  Change it up with intervals:  Who doesn’t love more bang for their buck?  Would you rather get your butt kicked for 30-50 minutes hard, or for an hour and a half at a slow, steady, or dare I say boring pace?  I used go to the gym 2 hours a day, but I just don’t have that kind of time.  Tabatas are a killer way to ramp up your workouts, as well as, high intensity interval training (HIIT).  You’ll leave the studio with a higher metabolic rate which equals a higher post workout calorie burn! 
• Cross-Train:  This is huge!  I’ve met countless runners who only run, several bicyclists who only bike, and swimmers who only swim.  Branching out from typical workouts has several benefits that include, reducing your injury risk, preventing boredom, obtaining new personal records, and targeting muscle groups that typically get ignored.  I often joke that a client’s muscles will begin to shake when they perform strength moves they’re not used to doing.  That’s your bodies way of telling you that the magic is happening!
• Use an activity tracker:  After seeing activity trackers on people’s wrists for months, I decided it was time to get myself one of those fancy devices.  Several exist and the most important thing is to find the right one for you.  It really is a lot of fun to see the results after a kick ass workout.  We can’t tell you how many times clients have shared their results with us!
• Sign up for an event:  I love signing up for events such as mud races, half marathons, 10K’s, etc…  After I commit to something, it gives me a good excuse to start training.  I’ve checking off another thing off my list on Sunday, as I’m doing my first sprint triathlon.  Super excited, yet totally scared at the same time.
• Consider hiring a personal trainer:  Personal trainers can put a different spin on your workouts.  You’ll get that extra attention you deserve, and they’ll help you set personal goals to obtain your desired fitness level.  Tell me one person who doesn’t smile as they leave our studio after a great session with one of our trainers.  Amy gets to kick my butt once a week, and that makes her smile!  I’m usually ending my workout as a sweaty mess on the floor, and that’s a good thing.
• Rest:  Tired bodies need rest.  Rest prevents injuries, lets your muscles recover and rebuild, helps you sleep better, and allows your immune system to catch up.  Lastly, it’ll allow you to look forward to your workouts, rather than feel burnt out.

Now’s your time to get back on track!

Jill