BORED with my routine - what do you do when your routine gets boring?

Bellchick91
Bellchick91 Posts: 148 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey

So I've gotten extremely bored with my current gym/workout routine. So much so that sometimes I try and change it up, but then I end up having no "plan" to follow and I sort of feel like I'm all over the place! I lose track of what I've worked, reps done etc. I need a new plan! My current workout routine consists mainly of strength training - but I do want to increase the cardio by about 20 minutes, whilst still maintaining strength training. Was going to try setting aside two days to pure cardio and focusing on strength training the other days - but still need a new plan/routine!
My strength training is a bit of everything, arms, legs (not heavy weights) and squats, crunches, planks etc etc. My cardio is BORING treadmill, but if Im at home doing a workout I'd just do a HIIT at moderate intensity.

Anyone any suggestions on your favourite ways to change things up when you get bored?
Thanks!

Replies

  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Stop with the "not heavy weights" and do some actual strength training. When you begin working with heavy weight two things will happen: 1) You'll actually have to pay attention to what you're doing (focus) and 2) You'll see your strength improve and be eager to keep getting stronger month over month. Both of these should be sufficient to keep you interested.

    In the off chance you do get a little bored, you can just ratchet up the number of reps by a few, which may have you dropping weight 10% or so. The workouts will give you more pump and you'll see strength gains at that higher rep range. When that gets a little old, go back to lower reps with higher weight. Change without so much confusion that you forget why you're there (strength).

    Add a couple of days of cardio if you wish, but don't replace or lump on with your lifting. Doing it on "rest" days is good, but every once in a while, take a full day off off.
  • Oldbitcollector
    Oldbitcollector Posts: 229 Member
    ^^^^ SO THIS.. Dropped some real weight training into my workouts. Boring no more!!
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    I suggest finding a way to log and track your progress so you start seeing results. For instance, how heavy are your weights, how many reps are you doing? If you start charting progress, you'll have something to work for.

    I find treadmill deadly boring. I'll run outdoors in sleet and hail first. Or maybe do a Zumba class or something similar for your Cardio.
  • Bellchick91
    Bellchick91 Posts: 148 Member
    Hey
    Thanks for the help. I actually am lifting/using the heaviest weights I can manage. Im underweight and do not have sufficient strength, and due to other issues I also have osteoporosis so Im only to lift light weights for now. When I gain some more strength, my physio will advice that I increase weight. For now, it must remain light. But since I started I have increased weights and reps so I am making progress! Just sorta bored! I love working out though!
  • Bryanna0220
    Bryanna0220 Posts: 2
    There are plenty of other things to do for cardio besides a treadmill. What about riding a bike? Do you enjoy playing sports? That is a fun way to get cardio in! There is also tons of exercise programs out there if you get tired of going to the gym. I've been doing the 21 Day Fix workout program while also still going to the gym for a mix up.
  • Bellchick91
    Bellchick91 Posts: 148 Member
    I love to do workout videos on youtube to change things up. I live in Ireland so pleasant walks outside is rare due to weather! Roll on summer where we may have some dry days...

    I was considering getting a workout dvd like dancing or something for when I workout at home. Time is not my friend at the moment (final year in college - serious study going on!) so Im lucky to get to the gym, most days recently home workouts are a must. I miss the gym but sure...nearly finished!

  • giantrobot_powerlifting
    giantrobot_powerlifting Posts: 2,598 Member
    Setting goals and then breaking PRs in the powerlifts keeps me wanting more more more more more and more.

    And more.
  • Bryanna0220
    Bryanna0220 Posts: 2
    Just Dance is a fun one! Have you ever tried that? Also, Hip Hop Abs from Shaun T (creator of Insanity)
  • Roxiegirl2008
    Roxiegirl2008 Posts: 756 Member
    I stay off the dreadmill at all cost! That is so boring to me. I would suggest trying out a new class at your gym. I will typically do that if get bored.
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
    I do what I did as a teenager - put on my favorite music and dance. After all, nobody's watching!
  • juliev1121
    juliev1121 Posts: 19 Member
    There are some awesome weight lifting ladies on youtube and instagram. Follow, and add in one or two moves to your routine here and there. Not a full swap so you loose your place, but one or two at a time so its easy to manage. Or, check out others on here workout routines.
  • Bellchick91
    Bellchick91 Posts: 148 Member
    Hehe I love all of your ideas! I just this minute made u a new routine, incorporating some dance for fun! No treadmill scheduled - thank god.

    Thanks for the tips!
  • sk1982
    sk1982 Posts: 45 Member
    Just one thing - there is no such thing as HIIT at moderate intensity....its either HIIT or its not. But in saying that exercise at moderate intensity is not a bad thing either...
    If you have a gym membership why not hit up a cardio class for some variety / fun. I LOVE group exercise and some of my best times have been pushing myself in classes there...
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I've been heavy lifting for almost 2 years...not bored ever.

    There are too many great programs out there I started with SL and now doing 5/3/1...nothing boring about pushing yourself.
  • Bellchick91
    Bellchick91 Posts: 148 Member
    sk1982 wrote: »
    Just one thing - there is no such thing as HIIT at moderate intensity....its either HIIT or its not. But in saying that exercise at moderate intensity is not a bad thing either...
    If you have a gym membership why not hit up a cardio class for some variety / fun. I LOVE group exercise and some of my best times have been pushing myself in classes there...

    Yeah realising it now its contradictory! its just like cardio work but less boring cuz ya change it every 30 seconds or so ya no. I dont do the classes because the timetable doesnt suit my college schedule. im in my last year and seriously busy - the days i can make it there for a class its just yoga. Which I do enjoy but its not a good workout for me, i like to do yoga for relaxation really.

    I really would like to start one of the classes when i finish up this year...cross fit is majorly popular here but i cant do that (seriously too harsh on my joints) but would love to do some sort of class!
  • yusaku02
    yusaku02 Posts: 3,472 Member
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    Stop with the "not heavy weights" and do some actual strength training. When you begin working with heavy weight two things will happen: 1) You'll actually have to pay attention to what you're doing (focus) and 2) You'll see your strength improve and be eager to keep getting stronger month over month. Both of these should be sufficient to keep you interested.
    THIS. Nothing keeps me motivated like hitting new PRs
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