Keep Your Workout Fresh With These Five Tips

So you’ve finally started a workout routine. You’ve been doing it for a week or two and you feel great. But this weekend is your birthday and you know you will be celebrating. The next day is jam-packed with kid’s soccer games, ballet, family trips and football. Ok, so you take a few days off. No biggie. But then the next thing you know you are completely out of the workout routine and there is no motivation to start again.

Or you’ve started your new workout and you’re super gung-ho. For two weeks you’ve been giving it your all but you’re starting to get bored or frustrated or would just rather eat pizza on your couch. So you decide to give in and suddenly that motivation has vanished. What happened to all of that energy you had two weeks ago? It’s gone and so is your motivation but it doesn’t have to be.

Having battled motivation myself I’ve come up with a few ways to keep those workouts fun, exciting and something you look forward to.

1. Find an exercise/running group or partner – There is nothing harder than going it alone, no matter what we’re doing in life so when we can meet up with others who share the same goal or interest than we’re more likely to return and keep it up. Plus, the accountability of knowing you have somebody waiting for you will help get you out of bed and the door regardless of whether you want to or not.

This is especially true if you’re meeting a friend in the morning. Jacksonville Running Company holds weekly runs including a 7:00 a.m. Sunday group run from their Tapestry Park location, a World of Beer Run on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., a St. Vincent’s Walk/Run on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and many more. They can also hook you up with a running coach if you are interested.

2. Take a class – Similar to finding a workout group taking a class can spice up your routine and keep you coming back. If you love running try taking a yoga class to stretch and relax your body. If lifting weights is your thing look for a barre class to elongate those bulging muscles. Shaking up what you normally do everyday will keep things interesting and give you more to look forward to. There are sooo many fitness classes to take in Jacksonville. A few of my favorites are Pure Barre, A Pilates Studio, ilovekickboxing.com and Stroller Strength of course!

3. Set a goal – There is nothing more motivating than your first 5k, mini triathalon, or losing 5 pounds. Registering for a race or event or knowing that you have x amount of time to reach your weight loss goal will keep you going strong. When you set your goal make sure they are measurable and realistic otherwise you’re setting yourself up for failure.

When writing a goal always ask yourself what, when and how. What do you want to accomplish, when do you want to accomplish it and how will you accomplish it? For example: What? I want to run my first 5k without wakling. When: In three months. How: I will run three times a week with a running group and cross-train two times a week. Having a plan of action will keep you motivated and help you reach your goal.

4. Track Your Progress – Write your accomplishments down so you can come back to it at a later date and see how far you’ve come. Talk about complete motivation! If you set a goal to lose 10 pounds in three months and by month two you feel defeated and unmotivated take a look at your progress and I guarantee you’ll be on your way to your next workout class, run group, or whatever else you do for exercise. The free app My Fitness Pal is an excellent way to track your food and exercise and pounds lost.

5. Buy New Clothes – This could be my favorite motivator. There is nothing that can spruce up a workout routine faster than a new workout outfit. If you’re feeling less than motivated to hit up that class or run 5 milers why not treat yourself to a new exercise shirt or pair of shorts. The second you do you’ll be ready to get back at it. Getting new workout clothes is also a great reward for reaching your goal! Lululemon Athletica, Jacksonville Running Company and Athleta all have adorable pieces and outfits to keep your workouts cute and fun!

How do you stay motivated when working out?

Thank you Jacksonville Running Company for sponsoring this post! Please checkout the JRC Facebook page for more information on community runs, products of the week, and special events!