Created with Orangetheory Fitness
According to Google research, 62.7 million people searched tips for “getting healthy” when researching New Year’s resolutions. And no matter how long you spend searching “Carrie Underwood’s Leg Workout” on Pinterest, once you get to the gym it can be hard to know if you’re performing them correctly to get those enviable gams.
If your resolution was to get healthier this year (whose wasn’t tbh?), our number one tip for achieving your goal is to switch it up. Letting your routine fall stale is the easiest way to lose motivation.
Because no one wants to go do the same boring run on the treadmill for the hundredth time, we compiled our top three tips for mixing up your routine to maintain your motivation all semester long.
Photo via Orangetheory Fitness
1—Add a Competitive Element: Everyone loves some healthy competition. Challenge yourself to beat your personal bests each week. We’re currently obsessing over Orangetheory Fitness because it does the hard work for you. For their five-zone interval training class, you don a heart rate monitor that projects your heart rate percentage in real time onto a screen. The color-coating keeps you on track so you get the most out of your workout.
While it may seem intimidating, it’s actually just really fun. (We tried it!) The best part is that your body doesn’t stop working after the class. From keeping your heart rate up, you’ll burn more calories at a higher rate for up to 36 hours after the class, which kind of feels like stealing, but in the best way.
Photo via @madcitty_
2—Conquer a Fear: There are a lot of things about working out that scare us. Most of these fears are rooted in uncertainty. We don’t know how to use a machine so we never do, or we’re intimidated by the look or intensity of a class so we don’t sign up. But, one of the most important elements of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is education.
Most trainers and instructors are incredibly knowledgeable. Take the time to go up and ask them for help or more information. You’ll find that when your uncertainty fades into intrigue, it’s a lot easier to try out that scary machine.
Photo via @gretchen_reese
3—Take It Outside: Fresh air will always do you good. At least once a week, try to take your workout outdoors. We know that may not sound easy in the middle of winter, but even a 15-minute walk will completely reenergize you. The smells in fresh air help to combat stress and increase happiness.
Mental health and fitness is just as important as physical fitness, so make sure you’re taking the time to decompress. Even though it can seem impossible in college, finding your balance is the golden ticket to wellness.
How are you staying motivated to be your best and healthiest self this year? Let us know in the comments below to inspire your fellow goal diggers!
