Feel like you’re repeating the same workout over and over? Need some new ideas to mix up your routine? Try these workout tips to get out of that Groundhog Day workout loop!

It’s the Same Workout…Again

If you’re unfamiliar, the 1993 movie Groundhog Day featured actor Bill Murray as the lead character who gets stuck in a time loop where he has to relive the same day over and over again (just like a gif!) There are times when our workout routines can feel like we’re stuck in this same kind of time loop. We do the same thing over and over again without seeing significant progress (also called plateauing). It may sound like an obvious answer, but the way around this is implementing variety in your workouts. With so many other options, the real struggle for most people is actually putting this into practice. It seems like such a simple thing to do, yet we get so comfortable in our ways that it’s scary to try anything new or different. Not only does variety break up the monotony, it is best practice. Over time, our muscles adapt to constant stimuli, so changing the exercises and/or intensity will help you break through a plateau.

If you have a workout that you love and that helps you stay consistent, then keep going if it works for you. However, if you feel bored or burned out, it’s time to mix things up. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can get out of your “Groundhog Day” workout loop.

Group Fitness Classes

We may sound like a broken record at this point, but group fitness classes are one of the easiest ways to mix up your routine. Not only does each class offer something different, each time you come to class you’ll experience a new workout that the instructor puts together. Lakeshore Sport & Fitness has a multitude of classes to choose from at Lincoln Park & Illinois Center, so find something that interests you. From yoga to spin, group fitness is a great option to break up your “Groundhog Day” workout loop.

Weights/Resistance

If you’re one who avoids strength training, mixing in some weight lifting every now and then will mix things up. If you’re intimidated by free weights, the resistance machines are a great alternative. Instructions are printed on each machine to make it easier for beginners. As always, seek the help of the fitness staff for questions on exercise form or if you need a tutorial on equipment.

Even if you are someone who regularly lifts weights, you can change your workouts based on what muscle groups you target. For instance, upper body, core, lower body, and stretching/recovery.

Walking/Running/Stepping

Cardio exercises are an important element to a varied routine. While cardio comes in many forms, the most basic exercises are walking/running, biking, and stair climbing. These can easily be accomplished by using the machines on the fitness floor or utilizing trails/terrain outdoors.

Up the Intensity

If your progress has stagnated, it’s probably time to take your workout to the next level. Increasing the amount of weight you lift, increasing the number of reps/sets you perform, or increasing the duration of your cardio workouts are all ways to up the intensity. You can even mix things up by performing fewer reps with more weight one day, and more reps with lighter weights another day.