5 ways to keep fitness interesting

One of the main battles people have is staying engaged with fitness overtime. Because our business relies on helping people achieve sustainable results we’ve had to come up with ways to make keeping fit as interesting and enjoyable as possible.

So, If you’re tired of the same old routine and need some ideas on mixing it up, I’d like to share 5 ways to keep fitness interesting:

1. Have different elements to your workouts

With our workouts at DF we include a variety of elements; foam rolling, warm up exercises, core exercises, strength exercises and cardio exercises. While this sounds like a lot, each section of the workout only lasts about 10 minutes.

– If your workout only includes cardio, try adding a few free weight exercises to help keep your muscles toned.

– If you already lift weights maybe add a core exercise to keep your midsection firm.

– And if you already do core exercises then try the foam roller to help improve your flexibility and help your muscles relax.

2. Try a new piece of equipment

I recently installed a punch bag at the gym. And while most of the members have never hit anything before, after a couple of minutes of testing the water the bag started getting a thorough pounding!

The endless boxing combinations make using a punch bag much more engaging than counting down the minutes on the treadmill.

So, if you’ve seen a piece of equipment in the gym you’d like to learn how to use (TRX, Kettlebells, Battling Ropes and more have all started appearing in mainstream gyms) ask for some advice on how to use and perhaps get some exercises you could add to your normal routine.

3. Switch cardio machines for circuits

Instead of using cardio machines like the treadmill, cross trainer and bike try mixing it up with circuits like this:

1. 30 secs skipping
2. 30 secs kettlebell swings
3. 30 secs mountain climbers

Rest 30 secs and then repeat for 3 total rounds.

It gets your heart rate up, but because it’s fast moving you don’t get a chance to get bored or watch the time tick slowly by.

4. Try a class

Next week ditch your normal workout, pick a class that fits your schedule and give it a try. You don’t have to commit to doing it forever. But I find once most people make the first uncomfortable step of trying a new class they really enjoy it.

Exercising as part of a group can be more motivating than grinding it out on the gym floor alone.

5. Get active outside of the gym

For me, working and training in the gym 12 hours a day was starting to get too much. So I started training with an athletics club on Wednesdays and with a tennis club on Sundays.

This gave me the healthy heart benefits of exercise, but it came disguised as a game that was actually pretty fun.

I still do my strength training at the gym a few times a week. But adding a couple of non-gym activities through the week has been great for keeping me motivated.

Summary

If you have to fight with yourself every time you feel you should go to the gym then it’s time for  a change! Mix it up, and add some new exercises, try a new piece of equipment or join a class to make the often boring task of keeping fit a little more enjoyable : )