1. Use an App
One of the easiest ways to make your workouts more interesting is to grab an app. It sounds simple and it is! There are a ton of apps available for you to choose from to help you: monitor your progress, motivate you and even give you workouts to follow. A few of our favorites are:
2. Hire a Professional
Reasons to hire a personal trainer are numerous, maybe you are not seeing results; you want to start an exercise program but don’t know where to start; you are training for an event.
If you are a member of a gym then take advantage of the offers that they have for a free personal trainer session. One session may not seem a lot but it will help you define specific goals, have your current level of fitness tested and you will be advised on specific exercises, exercises will be demonstrated and then you will perform them, this is a great way to learn the correct form.
If you decide to hire a professional it doesn’t mean you need to have them with you every time you workout, once you have your first session you will be provided with a tailored exercise program and then you can schedule a session with your trainer as often as you feel you need it, this could be once a week, once a month etc.
3. Join a Group/Club
Some people find it easier to work out with others for various reasons. Whether you are more motivated to work out when with others or don’t like the idea of going to the gym alone, groups and clubs offer a different environment to achieve your goals. Towns, cities etc usually have running groups (which can
4. Boot Camp
Boot camps are becoming increasingly popular, they are great for those of you who may not be as disciplined at working out if left to your own devices. Take a friend or go alone and prepare to be put through your paces.
5. Outdoor Activities
Spring is here, although for some of us it has not sprung yet, and summer will soon be on its way. Why not do some outdoors activities to get fit and healthy, there are so many to choose from that you should have no trouble finding one you enjoy. Some ideas:
- Cycling
- Kayaking
- Rock climbing
- Surfing
- Sailing
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Volleyball
6. Challenge Yourself
Push yourself harder is a commonly used phrase in fitness, by why not challenge yourself by entering something a little more unusual than a fun run or marathon (not that these aren’t great ways to challenge yourself but maybe you are looking for something a little different). I am talking about challenges that have a little something extra whether it is terms of real physical and mental challenges or a bit more fun and adventure:
Tough Mudder
Designed by British Special Forces to test your strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. These events take place in various countries and consist of a 10-12 mile obstacle course where winning is not the goal (although there are those who compete to win) but helping your fellow participants and finishing is the main focus. Prepare to get cold, wet and muddy.
Warrior Dash
Leaping through fire (known as the Warrrior Roast) and crawling through mud (Muddy Mayhem) this event is similar to Tough Mudder as it is an obstacle course but covers a shorter distance of 5K. (Sits and waits for all the comments to come in stating how different these two races are).
Spartan Race
And we have another obstacle course over 3+ miles. It appears these types of events are getting very popular…
The Color Run
A paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community. A 5K un-timed run where you get doused in color every kilometer. Start with a white t-shirt and you end the race covered in various different colors. The aim is to raise money for charity and the ‘race’ is all about having fun.
Go Ruck
This is an event with a difference and is not a run or an obstacle race. There are different events for you to choose from which vary in length and time – all require you to carry a weighted backpack and some can only be entered if you have completed other challenges. I suggest having a read of their website and the different events and if you like a challenge and want to do something different I am sure you will be interested. Be prepared to become part of a team!
Le Marathon Du Medoc
This event takes place in France has a different theme each year and includes tasting wine along the way, yes that’s right it is not an ordinary Marathon.
Maybe you want to do something completely different… Okay, these might not be the easiest ways to spice up your workout, but it’s all about having a goal that inspires you, so:
Namib Desert Challenge
220km, multi-day extreme endurance run through extreme heat, rugged terrain, rocky-mountains and finishing after running some of the highest dunes in the world.
4Desserts
250km, 7 days, one desert’s not enough, so you guessed it 4 deserts across 3 continents… sounds like fun!
Whatever you choose to do having something to work towards is a great motivating factor in improving your health and fitness. Think about what you can do to challenge yourself and start working towards it.
7. Bodyweight Exercises
I tend to stay away from weight machines altogether and choose free weights every time, but a great way to workout is to use your own bodyweight. The best bit is you don’t have to be limited to doing these exercises in a gym, you can do them in the privacy of your own home, if it is a nice day then you can do them outside in your garden, a park, on the beach etc. No equipment needed and no cost.
What are some of your favorite ways to spice up your workouts? Let us know in the comments below!
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