We’re in those hot, rainy, late summer days, when the fun of vacation may be fading in the rearview mirror, the start of school is just around the corner, and we realize summer will be over before we know it. It’s easy to slack off our wellness routines as the heat gets oppressive and the to-do list gets long.
Maybe it’s a good time to shake up the routine and keep it fresh. Here are a few simple ideas that might just be the solution to these doldrums:
Shift your workout time. Are you always an evening exerciser? Maybe suddenly your energy is just sapped after 5 pm. Consider experimenting with morning workouts for a week and seeing how that shift changes your energy level. Conversely, if you’re struggling to get out of bed for a workout, maybe a post-workday workout could be just the ticket.
Reverse the order of your workout. Do you always do cardio first, then strength? What if you flipped that order? Or maybe take your list of strength exercises and shuffle them around. Maybe your walking or running route has gotten stale, but traveling it in reverse will offer you a new perspective.
Grab a new workout partner. We can all benefit from the accountability that comes with a workout buddy. Having a friend also makes it less likely that you’ll blow off exercise because someone else is counting on you. Invite a family member, friend, or co-worker who’s been considering the Y to join you and see what a difference it makes.
Hire a personal trainer. If you simply can’t stand the thought of one more bicep curl or set of walking lunges, maybe it’s time to turn over the reins to one of our certified personal trainers. Maybe you commit to once a week with a trainer or to a certain number of workouts altogether. A trainer can introduce you to new exercises, help you set a realistic goal, and provide an extra boost of motivation.
Try a new class.We have literally dozens and dozens of group exercise classes – from yoga and Pilates to BodyPump and boot camp to cycling and water fitness. A new class can give you a fresh perspective and challenge your body in new ways. At the Bear Levin Studer Y, the new Virtual Home Studio offers even more class options via Mirror, all on your own schedule. If you’re not sure whether kickboxing is for you, here’s a no-pressure way to find out.
Anybody can commit to their workout for a week or two. It takes real dedication to stay active consistently over time. We all encounter plateaus and dry spells. Having options to change up your routine can offer new inspiration to stay invested for the long haul. Consider one of these ideas, or brainstorm some of your own. Whatever you do, just keep moving!