A workout is a workout, right? Well, kind of. While any workout is better than no workout in terms of getting active rather than sitting on your couch, not every workout is the best one for every person. While some people flourish in group classes others are able to focus better on a solo gym session or long run. If any of these signs sound familiar, consider finding a new workout or altering your current routine.
You’re Bored
Another yoga class? I’m so sick of the gym!
If you’re feeling this way with your workout, look for something new. The best way to stick with a program is to love it so much you look forward to nearly every session.
You’re Not Seeing Results
Your body gets used to anything repetitive, especially workouts. If you’re pushing hard at every workout and not seeing results, consider whether it’s time to give your body something new to take on. Some great workout swaps include:
- BUTI for Zumba
- Kickboxing for functional strength training
- Cross fit for solo weight lifting
- Spin class for step class
- HIIT on treadmill for long, slow runs
You’re Exhausted
This is a sure sign that you’re overtraining. When you’re parasympathetic system gets over stimulated it leads to a decrease in critical hormones such as testosterone and an increase in cortisol, causing your body to become tired and sluggish. Switch up your workout routine or find something new to try altogether.
You Have to Cheat
It’s important that you perform every exercise with proper form to avoid injury and ensure you’ll see the results you’re looking for. If you find yourself cheating through an exercise—you’ll feel yourself straining another part of your body to complete a rep—it’s time to slow down your workout or find something that your body can handle right now.
You’re Skipping Workouts
If you find every excuse in the book not to work out, you need to find something new. This means you’re either unhappy with the results, bored or just plain don’t like what you’re doing—and there is no reason to dislike your workout when there are so many things you can do. Refer to the swaps above or try:
- Rowing
- Kickboxing
- Hiking
- Tabata
- Group classes—yoga, step, core training
- At-home videos
- Dance classes
