Changing up our workout routines.

1. Workout with a friend: Not only will it be fun hanging out with someone, but having someone to hold you accountable is an important component of reaching your goals. I work out with Robert. We push one another to run faster and lift heavier.
2. Take your workout outside: Sometimes a change of scenery is all we need to change up our routine. We go for a run or brisk walk outside instead of on the treadmill, elliptical, recumbent bike, or weights.
3. Go shopping for new workout clothes: If you are one of those people who loves your workout routine but still wants to add in some new flare, going shopping for new workout clothes might be exactly what you should do. Some days a cute outfit is what motivates me to work out in the morning. Their usually pretty comfy, too
4. Take a scenic hike: Exercise does not always have to mean going to the gym! In fact, a long hike is an effective workout. We often reward ourselves at the end with a healthy picnic and the scenic view that we usually discover. We’re fortunate to have extensive walking paths, large, nearby parks, or local or not-so-far-away campgrounds with hiking trails.
5. Try an online, at-home workout video: Believe it or not, you can get an insane workout in from the comfort of your home. At-home workouts are wonderful because you are in your own space, you don’t have to commute to a gym, and many workouts you can do are free on Youtube!
6. Add incentives to your workouts: Incentives can be a powerful way to push yourself and really want to reach that next level. Once you make a new personal record on your mile time or weight lifted or lose a certain number of pounds, reward yourself. Having these small incentives for each milestone will make you even more excited to exercise. For example, once you lose 10 pounds, you can set the incentive of taking a weekend trip to Maine, Boston, or even camping up north. Tettegouche on Lake Superior is beautiful this time of year. You want to continue setting these goals and incentives and once you reach them, set more.
7. Do your workout backwards: No, I don’t mean run on the treadmill backwards. I mean if you typically run a mile, then do machine exercises, and finish up with dumbbells, try starting with dumbbells, and working backward. It might feel like you are doing a whole new workout. This will also prevent you from just doing your workout zoned out which can typically lead to boredom.
8. Create a new workout playlist: Nothing gets me pumped up like a new workout playlist. I have the same handful of playlists that I cycle through, and I get so excited over trying new ones out. If you’ve been listening to the same music for a while, switch it up. Listening to a new playlist can also make our workout feel new. Choose some upbeat songs that make you want to dance, put your headphones on, and get the work done!
9. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to our workouts: HIIT is a great way to increase the intensity of our workout, increase our heart rate, and keep our workouts exciting. You can find variations of treadmill HIIT workouts online, but they typically involve a combination of walking, jogging, and sprinting. HIIT workouts are more tiring and extra effective. They will wake you up for sure. We’re waiting on a new HIIT machine from Proform. Production has slowed due to the pandemic. But we’re excited.
10. Switch up the days you workout: altering our schedule will keep us on our toes and help switch up our routine.

I hope these ideas inspire you to change up your workout routine every once in a while. Keeping up with moving our body no matter what we choose is important to our physical and mental health.