Keeping Up Momentum

You go to the gym three times a week and you rock that treadmill! You pump iron with perfect posture and skill. You’re seeing results and feeling pretty good about yourself. What now? If you’re anything like me, your exercise routine can feel a little, well, routine. (Here we go, another day on the stair climber. Ho-hum.)

Or maybe your results have come to a plateau. Maybe your feeling discouraged.

This is when we look for reasons to skip the gym, right? It starts with missing a day, then a week, then a month or more, loosing momentum and sabotaging the hard work we’ve put in so far. We all know the key to keeping fit is consistency, but that doesn’t mean we are bound to the same routine day after day. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to mix it up, branch out and put some fun into your workout!

Take an Exercise Class
First, take a look at group exercise or classes. Most gyms (such as our Seattle Fitness Center) offer a wide variety of classes at convenient times for no extra cost. It’s a great way to get out of a habit-induced rut and, if you like, meet new people. Here are some of the advantages to working out with a class:

  • Variety- The chance to learn new exercises and use different muscles. Not only does this make your workout more interesting, you may also see faster results.

  • Supervised exercise –A good instructor will make sure you are using proper technique to maximize your benefits with minimal risk of injury. 

  • Group energy –Getting some social time in your workout is great. But you also get the benefit of the group’s energy. A room full of people, all focused on the same goal, creates an energy level that is especially useful if you’re feeling a little sluggish. 

  • Motivation –You are more likely to show up to exercise when you’ve made an appointment to do so. When you get to know some of your classmates, you will have a sense of accountability to them as well.

Most of all, exercise classes are popular for a reason, they’re fun! Whether you like an up-beat, dance inspired class like Zumba, or something intense like a Boot Camp, or something a little more quiet like Yoga or Tai Chi, there’s a good chance your gym will have the right class for you and your fitness level. Make sure to speak with the class instructor on your first day to let him/her know that you are a beginner. That way, your instructor can give you the extra supervision you need to perform the exercises properly!

Work with a Personal Trainer
For a strong dose of motivation, work with a personal trainer. Usually there will be an extra charge for this, but it will be well worth it. A few advantages of a personal trainer include:

  • A workout routine tailor made for you and the results you want

  • Supervision of technique 

  • Written record of your goals and tracking your results 

  • Encouragement. I can’t think of a better way to keep motivated than to have someone personally encouraging you every step of the way!

The Buddy System
Some of us just need someone to talk to. Bringing a friend to the gym with you, or making a friend while you’re there, is a great way to keep motivated. Making conversation with someone while you’re on the treadmill makes your workout more fun and it keeps your attention off the clock.

Again, you create a sense of accountability when you make arrangements to meet your friend at the gym at a certain time.

Remember, in order to keep up your exercise momentum, keep it interesting. Mix up you routine, create some accountability with your peers and have fun!