I am so bored…by my gym routine. Almost bored to tears. Wah, wah.
I am a product of routine. When I find something I like, I stick with it, including when I work out. I go to the gym, do 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and 30 minutes of free weights. But after awhile of doing this, it’s more like S-N-O-R-E.
And the motivation to go to the gym and do the machines/weights has been a little tedious lately too. Sure, it could be the seasonal change, but I think my mind needs to shake it up a bit because I feel sometimes like I’m just going through the motions when I go to the gym.
So why do I stick with this routine? Because I know what to expect from it. I know that I can burn X number of calories and that I will keep my arms toned. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Lately I don’t leave the gym feeling like “hell yes I worked out and now I want to kick some a** and wrestle a baby cougar with my huge arms!” But that feeling is awesome when I do.
In the summer, I’ll get out and walk around more, including power walks by the lake, but once it becomes winter, that’s out, so I need to keep challenging myself somehow.
So that’s where you guys come in, I’m wondering what you do to mix up your workout routine or what helps you stay motivated when you go, even if you do the same stuff regularly.
Classes are available at my gym, but many start at 5:30, which is often impossible for me to make in time and I hate being at the gym really late to take the later evening classes. Tough spot, I know. So picky.
Awhile ago, I bought the Jillian Michaels Shred and I want to give that a try (especially once it snows and going out is limited even more) but I’m not really a workout video kind of girl so I’m torn.
However, look at her face. She looks (in her eyes) like she WANTS to kick my a** into shape. I think I want that challenge (and those results).
So let me know if you Shred, if you like it, if it’s worth it to get started and how you mix up your workout routine. I’m super curious to hear your feedback so I can get started!
Oh and you can still read about how I paid to rub volcanic ash all over my face over here. Solid.
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A couple of our friends swear by the Crossfit series. They love it because it’s a complete workout, and everyday they have a new workout to do. There are different levels for each of the daily workouts and it’s a great challenge. If you’re interested, check out http://www.crossfit.com/.
Good luck with everything!
You HAVE to mix it up. Your body gets used to doing what you have always done, so you not only get bored but your body isn’t working as hard as it used to so you also aren’t getting as good of results.
My husband is a pretty avid gym goer (in a slump at the moment but generally speaking) and does a lot of reading, so shortly after we started dating he bought the book “The New Rules of Weight Lifting” and we started doing that. Then he bought “The New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women” because he loves me and he finds it intersting. So, now I do that. It’s all weight lifting, but there are several phases with at least two different workouts per phase.Then of course I try to increase the weights as often as possible.
They are fat burning workouts, as opposed to just toning workout so they focus on a lot of your big muscles groups. So here’s what I do, I use the workouts from that book and one day it’s workout A of whatever phase I’m in, the next day cardio, the next day workout B of whatever phase I’m in and so on.
You WILL feel these lifts. There are times when I get done with these workouts and feel like I’m going to throw up, and this is not my first workout rodeo. But, as difficult as it is to wrap your head around it, that’s actually the effect you are going for.
Also, if you want to do some specific arm toning you could rotate in a specific lifting day for just your arms. I do that sometimes too.
I’m interested in know how Shred goes for you. I think a 25 min home workout would come in pretty handy on those days where someone needs to stay home with the kid. You should let me know what you think of it!
I want to do the shred, but videos aren’t my fav either. We’ll see. For my gym routine it’s always changing. I found when I trained for the 1/2 marathon and only ran and did weights my body stayed the same, but when I did something different each time (bike, rowing, elliptical, stairs) I noticed a HUGE difference. Like, I was literally shocked. So maybe you could try different machines to mix it up if you’re bored??
I try and shake it up by attending a class now and then, but I have a hard time sticking to the same one day after day. I did do the Shred this summer (free On-Demand!!) and will probably pick it up again this winter. It kicked my ass.
The Shred is f-ing awesome. Especially if you do it consistently. I have a similar routine to yours at the gym, and when I get bored I mix it up by doing different programs on the treadmill, or spending the whole time lifting weights, instead of a mix of weights and cardio. I also try to increase my weights every so often because your body gets used to doing the same thing over and over again and it’s good to change it up. I’m also a swimmer so I love to swim laps.
I still haven’t done the Shred, though I want to. But I try to vary my gym routine so I don’t get completely bored by it. Early in the week I do both cardio (elliptical mostly) and the weight machines. Then just stick to some cardio at the latter part of the week. Also depends what I’m feeling that particular day. But varying your workout would probably keep you more motivated to go. For me, I’m positive I’d stop going once bored, so try to look up some new things online or try the Shred and see how it works.
i’ve been thinking about doing the shred too, but just haven’t yet. maybe for christmas, haha.
I love the 30 Day Shred…granted I haven’t done it for awhile but I did it 22 days in a row and it does work. At first, it was extremely hard but I stuck with it. I really need to get back into it.
I did it once and thought I was going to die but I’m thinking about giving it a go again! :)
I am bored by my routine too…unfortunately my routine involves VERY LITTLE exercise.
I’ve been doing yoga but my brain is a little too manic to reach a place of true zen so I’ve been thinking about starting back up with some Zumba.
what about classes on the weekends at your gym?
Et tu, Jessica?
Jillian is taking everyone with her shred, isn’t she! lol Have fun, I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes!
OH NO! No you too!
i started doing hip hop dance classes and it’s a blast. very good work out and cheap at several different places! i go to intrigue dance studio in the south loop. it’s affordable, very beginner and a good work out!
You MUST mix it up a little friend! ;) I do 2 classes @ the gym (spin & kickboxing)… worth it after work, because you don’t have to think — just show up and get your ass kicked. I do the Shred too (1-2x week). It was startling how quickly it tones, since it’s just a quick 25 min. circuit training style. Here are my before/after pics: http://www.poweredbytofu.com/2009/07/31/30-day-shred-results-before-after/ I’m not really a workout video type either, so I mute the DVD and play my own music. :)
I like the shred, even though I haven’t done it in FOREVER. My lack of motivcation is seriously something to marvel at. For me, personally, it was just hard enough, and when I felt bored, I moved up a level. Plus the hatred you will feel for Jillian Michaels will make you SO AMPED to work out, cause you want to punch her in the mouth. :) Or maybe that’s just me.
I absolutely love the Shred! And Jillian! I find that the 20 minute work out flies by and I don’t really realize that I’m exhausted until it’s done.
I was a collegiate swimmer and the closest my body has been to THAT glorious time in my life was after a few months of dedicated Shredding. In other words – it works!
I work with a trainer so the first level of the shred was not too bad. The second level with all the planks killed me though! My abs are weak and I know it!
I think workout videos are a very individual thing. I tried the shred and liked it. But, I live in a condo building and if I jump around, my neighbors below will be disturbed. So, once in a while, not a big deal. Everyday, not a chance.
What about a personal trainer for a few sessions? They might be able to introduce new ways to workout that will shake up your routine. Also, if you normally do cardio then weights, why not switch things around and do weights then cardio. Or 10 minutes hard cardio, 10 minutes weights, switching on and off until your hour is up. Making those minor adjustments could fool your body into thinking you’re doing something completely new.
The Shred makes me lay on the floor and cry for my mommy.
I was going to suggest you take a class, but if you don’t think that’s really an option…
I don’t go to the gym but I’d sort of like to. Can you write a follow up post summarising people’s suggestions and what you’ve found works? Would be good to get inspired to work out! Maybe being an inspiration would inspire you again!
Try shred if you have strong stamina ( I’m sure you do since you’re used to gym ) and you’re not easily giving up. I swear Jillian really wants to kick people’s asses, I ended up throwing my dvd at the third day because my body’s in so much pain.
I say something fun but consistent..I was about to recommend classes but I read your sentences about not wanting it to be too early in thr morning or late. Do you have gym there that has a class every hour? I try going to gyms like that for a class, I love muaythai, other kick boxing / body combat types of classes, hiphop, and pilates. If I’m home, I just do elliptical.
I am afraid of Jillian Michaels.
I think changing of seasons can definitely change your mood when it comes to working out – many people do slow down on going to gym between fall – winter. Because don’t we all just want to enjoy good warm holiday dishes without worry about calories??? However, I try to stick with my routine and make sure to work out.. Like you said, it’s boring – true that!
I’ve been thinking of doing the Shred, too, but I’m afraid I’ll want to kill Jillian and quit! lol. But dragging my butt to the gym in the wintertime has proven to be quite a challenge so having an at-home workout option would be nice.
yoga. i don’t do it nearly as much as i used to – but i was in SUCH good shape when i did it. i slept better, my bad back was suddenly good, and i was really toned!
a few of us are also starting up the couch to 5k program again. we’ve started and stopped a bunch of times, but this time plan to motivate each other to keep going. let me know if you want in. :)
I shred and love it, though sometimes I just wanna give Ms. Michaels le finger. But the woman knows what she’s doing!
And my disclaimer is that I don’t Shred! But probably should :)
I say suck it up and try the later classes! Spinning or cardio kickboxing is fun and you’ll get into it and be home in time for Glee :)
@Angilio did a post recently about Zumba…that almost made me want to try it but my white-girl-rhythm and I are too chicken.
And that is exactly why I started running. I used to do the same exact thing as you. 30 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes of weights. BOR-ING!
I use the Shred DVD, too. The first time you do it you will hate it. Your shoulders will ache. Your legs will shake. It will seem like the longest 20 minutes of your life. And you will be sore the next day. But, I promise you it will work. I only do it sporadically but I swear that after only doing it 3 or 4 times I noticed definition in my abs that wasn’t there before. I would mix it up, though, and not rely solely on this or any DVD.
Spinning for cardio, yoga for strength. I know at least one yoga studio – Yogaview on Elston – offers a free “community class” on Saturday afternoons. It could be a good change of scenery and if you aren’t into it, no money lost.
I’m definitely thinking about doing this. I’m a few days into my 30 minutes/30 days commitment and thinking of adding this to my rotation. Good luck!
the shred is v. good, although I kind of felt like I was going to die. good workout though… you can feel it the next day.
I do the 30 day shred. It really does work. At first I thought 20 minutes in not a workout, um ya I was so wrong about that. You will be sore in places you never thought you could be sore but you will see a difference really fast. I totally recommend the 30 day shred.
You should definitely try it! It kicks your butt for sure. It’s bad though, I think I’m the same as you, I get bored…but I did do all 30 days straight. No skipping! I’m singleminded that way.
You should try zumba…good way to get in some good fun cardio!
I just bought the Shred. I have mixed feelings about it but walking the dog and riding my bike isnt cutting it.
I like the 30 Day Shred and it works for me. When I want to mix it up, I do a random workout from the exercise channel from On Demand.
I’m with ya. I finally dragged myself to the gym for the first time in weeks. I’m also with you on the class conundrum. In order to make it to an early yoga class, I force myself to leave work 15 minutes early. This does not always work, however :-)
What about finding a dance class or something else that’s outside of your gym? Perhaps they have more variety in times…though I realize this requires spending more money, which I don’t always like. But, it would provide both a change of scenery and a change of routine.
Good luck!
I’ve tried the Shred but never did it really consistently. It definitely made me sore, but she just really grates my nerves. P90X is my go to work out when I don’t feel like going to the gym… But I hate that dude too.
I hate the shred. Jillian Michaels just freaks me out to the point that I cannot listen to her. I recently needed a change-up too, so I am doing the two hundred sit-ups, squats, push-ups challenge in addition to my regular cardio. I’ve also started to explore new yoga classes just to keep me level-headed.
If you want to combine Jillian with the gym, check out her book Making the Cut. It has thirty days worth of circuit training workouts in there that you pretty much need a gym to do, and they WORK. They are a great mixture of cardio and resistance training. Oy.
I did the Shred once and couldn’t walk for days. But if you give it a try, I’m sure it will go well! As far as workout videos go, Jillian isn’t bad to listen to. She’s actually pretty motivating.
Also, if you want to want to switch up your routine, try out a spin class. Ummm INTENSE.
The Shred is good… it’s an ass kicking for sure.
I’d try to get to classes at the gym though. Even if it’s just a 30 minute abs class. I have to rush to get there on time, but I think it’s worth it to get there for the 5:30 classes right after class/work. I suck at working out on my own and need a teacher to kick my ass for me!
I got the Shred and did it in between my normal working out. read: whenever I was too lazy to actually get my ass to the gym. I did notice a change in my body for the better for sure so if you’re real motivated I bet you can get some great results out of it. Just remember that what you eat is important on that kind of routine also b/c it’s not a ton of exercise. Good Luck!
I shred. I remember the first week I was in so much pain. I was convinced she was laughing at me. She’s actually pretty annoying, but she does a good job. Try it out for a week or two. If you don’t like it, find another fitness person to hate. There are plenty.