Boredom can be a major impediment to your fitness goals. Not everyone was made to hit the pavement in their running shoes day after day after day. Thankfully, by changing up your workout routine you can avoid boredom, work on new muscle groups, and have more fun–all at the same time! Need some ideas? Here are three.

Do Yoga

If you haven’t jumped on the yoga train yet, it is time to finally give it a try. Yoga is both restorative and challenging in every way: physically, mentally, and even spiritually. Yoga strengthens and tones your muscles while improving your balance and coordination. At the same time, it clears your mind and offers you a chance to develop greater mindfulness. With yoga, there is no pressure to perform. Everything disappears except for you and your mat. If you feel stuck in a rut with your workouts, change it up by joining a yoga class. 

Play Sports

Remember how you used to get exercise? By playing! Growing up and playing aren’t mutually exclusive, and yet far too many of us turn our workouts into a chore. Sports are great at giving you an intense workout while masking the pain of it. You are too busy having fun and zeroing in on the competition to notice your fatigue. Sports are also ideal for connecting socially, learning new skills, and making friends. If you choose a contact sport like basketball or soccer, be sure to play it safe. Contact sports expose you to the risk of greater injury if you don’t take precautions.

Join a Fitness Class

Some people just aren’t designed to work out alone. It can feel boring and isolating for people who crave more social interaction. Joining a fitness class is perfect for people who need something a little more interactive. Just being near people can increase your motivation and lift your spirits. Plus, group classes offer extra accountability, increased variety, and an instructor who can teach you proper form. There are classes designed for everyone at every fitness level, from kick-your-butt spin classes to low-intensity water aerobics groups; and from high-energy Zumba to calm but killer Pilates. 

When it comes to your workout routine, there is no reason to get stuck in a rut. You have a world of choices at your fingertips. The only limiting factor is you. So get out there, break free from your comfort zone, and try something new! You just might find yourself a new passion in the process. 

Check out this article on what to do if you struggle to workout in the summer!