Break Up With Boring – Six Ways To Shake Up Your Gym Routine

Finding the motivation to exercise can be a major struggle, and when you are working out, mustering the willpower to keep going can sometimes be just as tricky. If you're feeling less than enthusiastic about your fitness routine, check out these six easy ways to shake up your trip to the gym... Go to a new class Remember how enthusiastic you were about mastering samba and becoming a totally zen yogi when you first joined the gym? Yeah, that probably never happened. Chances are some of the classes on offer are covered by that hefty fee you’re forking out every month, so make sure you’re taking advantage of at least one of them. Choose an activity you haven’t tried before and give the classes a shot for a couple of weeks. It'll get you away from the dreaded treadmill and get you working with a shiny new fitness instructor. Change your playlist If you've been listening to the same playlist since the day you joined the gym, now is the time to shake it up. Take the time to download a brand spanking new set of tunes to enjoy while you're breaking a sweat. Check out a different gym Gyms are always running deals for free trials, especially at this time of the year. Take a break from your usual stomping ground, find a couple of alternatives in your area and soak in the new scenery. Scoping out a new gym means new instructors, equipment and classes. This will either give your exercise regimen the jump-start it needs, or make you appreciate your own gym like never before! Set a new goal Arrange a meeting with a personal fitness trainer to figure out a new challenge for yourself. It can be something as simple as adding an extra ten minutes on the treadmill to something more significant like working your way towards a marathon or fun race. Download a fitness app From Map My Fitness to RunKeeper, there seems to be a new fitness app on the market every week.  Do some research, pick one that suits your needs try it out. Setting yourself goals, monitoring your progress and tracking your calorie intake should help give you the fitness boost you need, and also help identify the areas you'd like to work on. Find a workout buddy Working out with someone is a great incentive to push yourself. The right exercise partner can force you to tap into those extra reserves of strength and energy so that you push through that extra mile or push up. Make sure you choose the right buddy though, not everyone will be your perfect match!   #YourPerfectMatch is an educational campaign sponsored by Bayer.  Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) which include the hormonal IUS, copper IUD, implant & the injection, are one of the most effective forms of contraception available, offering freedom from the daily routine of having to remember to take a pill as well as long-lasting and effective protection against pregnancy. Make sure to book an appointment with your GP to discuss all of your options and find that perfect match for you. For more information about LARCs check out mycontraception.ie or pop along to an alternative Valentine’s Day Disco Brunch, hosted by Darren Kennedy in Drury Buildings, Dublin 2 on 14 February. _{L.IE.WH.01.2015.0312}