You’ve been at it for a while now—your workout routine—and while it’s served you well to this point, you’re ready for a change. Maybe you’re not seeing the results you expect, or perhaps, you’re just bored with doing the same thing again and again. If so, it’s time to take stock and find a new approach to your fitness. Here are a few ideas to boost your workouts and exercise attitude.
Step It Up: It’s easy to get in a workout rut and then become frustrated because you’re just not getting the results you want. If that’s the case, think about altering your cardio to something a little more fun. Try mixing a Zumba or aerobics class to your workout routine. You’ll jam to the music while working up a sweat – and you’ll also have the opportunity to meet others for fun and support.
Pump It Up: It might not be your cardio that needs tweaking; it could be the need for resistance weight training. After jumping off the treadmill or elliptical, don’t just head to the locker room. Visit the barbells and weight machines and begin working those muscles. You’ll tone, build strength and convert unwanted fat to muscle. Better yet, you’ll start to see the results you’ve been working so hard for.
Water Power: If weights aren’t your thing, you can build muscle and get a good cardio workout in the water. A 125-pound person can burn as many as 240 calories an hour with some types of water exercise. Think water aerobics, water Zumba or just an all-around water exercise program. These classes even work well for non-swimmers and are low-impact.
Dojo It: Maybe you need to look at a completely different type of exercise, one that truly combines mind, body and spirit. For that, consider adding yoga or martial arts to your regimen. You can get a solid workout, breathe better and de-stress with regular practice.
Add a Buddy: Sometimes, it’s not really the workout that’s the problem; it’s going through workouts alone. So don’t. Buddy up with a workout partner. You’ll have someone to motivate you, test new exercises with, and even laugh with. Or, try an exercise class where you can meet new friends interested in working out and helping you achieve your fitness goals.
Next time you visit your favorite YMCA of the Suncoast location, ask to speak to someone from our fitness staff about the best way to give your workouts a boost.