How to Know If You’re Stuck in a Workout Rut

 

Life’s natural path could be simply be described by easy and routine.

We want to take the path of least resistance (not a good thing when you’re working out) and will naturally drift that direction unless we intentionally fight it.

I listen to professionals who are consistently disappointed by the quality of their workouts. (or lack thereof)

Simply put, there in a workout rut.

I’ve been there TOO many times but found a way out of the workout rut by working through these four realities:

1. I’m Simply Bored With My Workouts

SO many people do the same type of workout almost all of the time and to be honest, they’re just simply bored with it.

They go through the motions almost in a workout coma because it has become such a habit for them that it’s lost its appeal.

I’m a people watcher. And if I’m in a fitness center or gym I will watch people workout out their thumbs on their phones more than their bodies.

Or others will do the same workout week after week and just there. Nothing more.

They just look bored and unengaged. But they also seem fine with it. Is that you?

If you find yourself just going through the workout motions it’s time for a change to do something, anything different.

 

2. I Don’t Have Enough Time For My Workouts

Sometimes we stop working out or simply don’t get much out of a workout because of the time crunch. It’s always looming on us and as a result, we get stuck in a rut.

Once I started traveling for work I found that my road workouts HAD to look different than my home workouts. I didn’t always have the time like I would at home and would need to great creative.

You may be in a season of life at home or work that requires you to change how long or when you workout.

Stop justifying and using this as an excuse. Get out of the workout rut and figure it out.

3. I Don’t Have a Clear Plan For My Workouts

I’m amazed at how many people just “kinda do a workout” meaning they do “a little of this and a little of that” and call it a workout.

No wonder they’re stuck in a workout rut!

Let me give you an example. Just last week I was in a fitness center at a hotel and I just watched person after person come in, pick up a weight and do a set of arms. Then went to a machine and lazily did a set of shoulders.

They ended with a super set of walking pathetically slow on the treadmill while checking social media on their phone. I was exhausted by the intensity in their workout!

If you don’t have a clear plan, it’s VERY easy to get stuck in going through the motions of quickly fall into a workout rut.

4. I’m Not Seeing Any Results In My Workouts

Minor yet important detail, right?! Yet how many of us just continue to go through our weak and possibly useless routine and don’t see any results.

There’s a scene in the movie, Liar Liar, where a client of Jim Carrey calls asking him for his advise because he keeps getting in trouble.

Jim Carrey’s classic advice: Stop Stealing!

 

Can I suggest a tweak but similar simplicity in advice?!

Stop Doing Something That Doesn’t Produce Results!

 

 

Chances are if you’re not seeing results, you’re also bored and possibly don’t have a clear plan with your workout routine.

 

Here are Two Suggestions:

1. Find something that you look forward to doing.

I love trying a new workout. I find myself looking ahead to see what I will be doing tomorrow.

I’m a BIG Beach Body workout fan.  I love the variety of workouts they offer and even if I choose a P90X workout one day, an Insanity workout another day, then a Body Beast workout, it’s a great workout that is fresh.

They also have a set amount of time (usually around 30-40 minutes) and a clear plan of what to do each day.

I can also translate the workouts into going into a fitness center or gym once I learn the exercise.

No matter what you choose, it’s an absolute must to find something that motivates you to workout.

 

2. Find something that will challenge you.

When I switch workout routines, do you know what naturally happens? I’m completely engaged.

Why? Because I don’t know mentally or physically what’s coming next.

It’s a sense of anticipation that forces me to pay attention and I cannot zone off. This is good fitness fans and keeps me out of going through the motions.

I also wake up sore in places there were not sore in my previous workout. Imagine that.

You need to be challenged in your workouts and being caught of guard again mentally and physically may be just what you need again.

 

Closing Challenge…

If you really care about the quality of your workouts you will work through these four realities to measure your level of “workout rut-ness” you may find yourself in right now.

As motivated, busy professionals, we NEED to have success in the fitness area of our life.

And when we do, everything else just seems better because we feel better.

We also need the challenge. So, here it is, take the challenge to see how you’re doing in this area. Where do you stand? Do something about it today!

Closing Question…

How can you get yourself out of a workout rut?