5 Ways To Renew And Refresh Your Work Out Routine

Guest post from Maria of Confessions of a First Timer

So unless you quit on your new year’s resolution already, chances are that if you have been consistent since January, you are feeling the “blegh-ness” of “working out” by now.

It could be that the scale or inches haven’t moved in a while. Or that the routine of doing the same ol’ thing is not inspiring you anymore.

Well it happens! And it’s ok! Don’t give up!

The truth is, God made our bodies to be incredibly adaptable! Our metabolism, and the rate at which we burn fat and build muscle gets used to routine. It develops a “new normal”, and you hit the dreaded “plateau”. Your mind does it too! So don’t get to the point where you think, “This isn’t working!” Instead, understand that you were so consistent your body and mind are no longer challenged.

Well, what now?

Do you increase the weights or reps? Run longer? Try P90X? Maybe, but not necessarily. You just have to change-up your routine a little. It may require you to add one healthier snack to the meals you eat regularly too. But here are some suggestions to freshen up your workout routine:

•  Change the scenery: Do you work out at a gym? Start a run-training program outside. Hit a playground with your kids and try to do pull-ups and monkey bars along with them! Do you usually work out at home? Try joining a gym – some gyms are a whopping $15/month for some basic machines and equipment. Replace one regular work out with a new work out in a different location – you’d be surprised at the renewed vigor!
• Change your music: Yeah that play list may have to go if it no longer gives you the oomph to work out. Our brain desensitizes to music and eventually, it doesn’t give us the motivation we used to get from it. Get a brand new play list – it makes a world of difference!
• Take a class: That plateau is a perfect opportunity to join a class. Zumba, Pilates, yoga, cross fit. Your pick! Take one day you usually do X Work out and replace it with a class for a month. You may not like the class much and decide not to return after that – but it will make your regular routine more appreciated! Or you may have found a new passion… who knows?
• Grab a buddy: Enlist the help of a friend and choose one day to work out with that person – any place you two mutually choose. Friends are awesome external motivators
• Take a break! It’s ok to have a week “off” as long as you’re active. Rest. Read. And then, maybe try to walk more often, go for a hike, and enjoy a day at the pool… Sometimes, just mentally getting your brain off the “I’m working out mode” to the “I’m having fun” mode helps us get back on track. When was the last time you took the dog to a dog park? Or chased your kids around the playground? Take a week and replace your “work outs” with these activities. Don’t count steps or calories burned. Just have fun!

I hope these tips encourage you! Above all else, don’t give up! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your body be. By that same token, Rome wasn’t destroyed in a day either – so a bad day doesn’t eliminate all your previous hard work. Embrace your life style change with compassion and grace!

What suggestions do you have for refreshing and renewing your workout routine?

About Maria:

Maria is 30 years old, happily married homeschooling mom of three kids, and owner of a cute little Corgi dog. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2013, but by 2014 the Lord has healed her through half supernatural intervention and half clean-eating/exercise. Since she was diagnosed, she lost 30 lbs. (and counting!), has run 240 miles, and has been cleared by her doctor to be medication free. She shares about her faith, homeschooling, family, and fitness at her blog, Confessions of a First Timer.

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Have you enjoyed what you read here today? Do you have friends or other women you know that could benefit from this resource? If so, please do me a favor! I have included the links below to share with other intentional women! They’ll be glad you did!

This post is part of the Renew and Refresh series.  You can see the rest of the posts in this series here.