Need Workout Motivation? Try These 6 Simple Workout Ideas

Struggling to find the workout motivation you need to get through those exercise sessions that you normally enjoy so much? Don’t worry, it happens to us all once in a while, and even the most determined gym junkie can find themselves getting in a rut from time to time.

Whether it’s time to change the scenery, incorporate an element of competition, or focus on your holistic recovery, there are a range of ways you can spice up your enthusiasm for exercise.

As well as giving you the mental push you need, shaking up your routine is important every now and again so your body can tap into different energy systems muscle groups. You will be surprised how easy it can be for our bodies to acclimate to the same types of movements and exertions. Over time, doing the same types of exercises over and over again diminishes their returns in terms of our physical conditioning.

For example, if you’re a cardio nut but the same neighbourhood runs or indoor cycling marathons are starting to feel like groundhog day, this is the perfect time to take note of what your body is telling you and introduce something new. You could consider interspersing your cardio sessions with some high-rep resistance training, or perhaps it’s time to switch to a new route or jump into a gym and onto a machine.

Similarly, if you’re starting to feel a lack of challenge each time you hit the gym, why not take a session outside, or take the intensity up a notch by creating/joining a group competition with likeminded others? There’s no easier way to renew your workout motivation than to set yourself a goal and then try to smash it.

In short, if you feel like you need some workout motivation, the good news is, it’s really simple! Here’s how to do it…

Workout Motivation

#1 – Take it outside

Your environment has a big impact on the way you think and feel, and sometimes something as simple as moving your workout from inside the gym to outdoors can give you a much-needed mood boost. You’ll also be able to breathe some fresh air and soak in some Vitamin D so it’s a worthwhile thing to do at least once a week.

#2 – Try out a new trainer

Sometimes it’s not you, it’s them! Personal trainers are people too, and if your trainer is in a rut of their own, it’s easy for the energy and mood of your sessions to get affected. While yes, it can feel a little like you’re cheating on a partner, there’s no harm in doing a few sessions with a different trainer, either. In addition to renewed enthusiasm, the new – or temporary trainer might be able to introduce you to some new exercises or routines to reinvigorate your workouts.

#3 – Pay more focus to your recovery

One of the most overlooked aspects of training is how to handle your recovery. If you want to get the most bang for your buck out of each workout, it’s important to pay attention to how you’re helping your body recover afterwards.

Some training facilities like this gym in Hawthorn offer a range of additional wellness services to help you recover, such as an infrared sauna, salt therapy sessions and meditation. These can be hugely beneficial in helping your body to recover and reset before your next workout.

#4 – Organise a group challenge

Sometimes a little competition can be just the ticket to serve up the extra workout motivation you need to train harder. Whether it’s a daily step count comp, a push-up challenge, a plank-off or an obstacle course, you’ll be amazed at the energy you can find when you’re in it to win it!

#5 – Inject a little adventure

Workouts don’t always have to involve the hack squat machine, treadmills or kettlebells. There are plenty of other adventure-based activities you can try where you’ll get a great workout while trying something new. Whether you go hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, sailing, surfing, kayaking or paddle boarding, you’ll be having so much fun and using other parts of the body (including the brain) that you’ll forget you’re getting a workout in.

#6 – Push your boundaries

While we all have certain workouts we enjoy more than others, it’s important to push your boundaries and try something different even when you don’t feel like it.

If you’re always hitting the pavement for a run, try introducing some resistance training to your regime. Love doing weights? Why not give Pilates a whirl? Or, if you consider yourself a bit of a yogi, why not change it up with some high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Not only will it encourage you to rethink the way you handle your regular workouts, you’ll also be doing a world of good for your body by focusing on different muscle groups and adopting a more holistic approach to strength, fitness and conditioning.