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Routine Getting Boring? Here’s How to Switch Up Your Workout

We all know exercise is important, but sometimes it’s hard to feel motivated when your routine begins to feel a bit stale or even monotonous.

Issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercises, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity.

Research shows the many benefits of incorporating strength training and aerobic exercise into your exercise routine and they certainly have their (important!) place in a workout regime. However, they are not the only ways to get your minutes in. It’s also important to remember what the best type of exercise is – the one you actually do! Next time you’re becoming bored of your current workout routine and need some ideas to keep it fresh, check out the list below:

• Try out a new type of group exercise class! Many gyms offer classes of varying format, length, and experience level. Check out the class schedule of your local gym and sign up for a class that interests you. There are many options to choose from such as HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), Barre, Cycling, and Pilates.
• Pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill! The possibilities are endless. Why not check out a local dance studio to sign up for a Ballet class or a “Salsa 101” event? If dancing isn’t your cup of tea, see if any local community centers offer swimming lessons so you can learn or improve upon that skill! Want something a bit more physical? See if you have any Mixed Martial Arts gyms nearby and sign up for a beginner class!
• Get involved with your children’s sports teams! If you have kids that play sports, volunteer to coach or help out with the team.
• Join a sports team yourself! Many towns have their own “club sports” that you can join. Options typically include kickball, frisbee, volleyball, soccer, flag football, and more!
• Invite your friends to an activity! Next time you meet up with a friend, instead of grabbing coffee or lunch, suggest a more active option. Some ideas are rock climbing, bowling, and paintballing.
• Go out in nature! Go for a hike or, if you’d prefer a lower-intensity option, opt for a walk around your neighborhood or a local park. Walking not your thing? Go for a bike ride!

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Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Physical activity guidelines for Americans. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines

Disclaimer

We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.

If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regimen. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.

Listen to your care providers as they know you and your condition best. Thank you for reading!

The Team at BSDI