You should never hate a workout. In fact, it should be one of your favorite parts of the day because it’s your time to focus on yourself. If you find that you’re constantly dreading it, it may be time to switch up your workout style.
Movement looks different for everyone. For some, it’s all about skyrocketing their heart rate and working up a great sweat. For others, it’s about leaving with a clear mind. There is no perfect workout style that will magically work for everyone, but there are ways that you can find the perfect one for you and your lifestyle. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Cardio Workout
Cardio is a great option if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, but still want to get a good sweat in. Running, biking, swimming, and power walking are all examples of different cardio workouts that will push you and give you results, even if you only have 30-minutes in your day to spare.
For those who absolutely despise cardio, don’t worry—you’re not alone. You can still sneak it into your routine by doing a fun circuit like this one. If you have equipment to use for circuit work, that’s great, but it’s not necessary. It’s still possible to get a great workout even if you’re just performing basic bodyweight exercises.
Class-Based Workout
If you thrive in a community and depend on a class environment to hold yourself accountable, signing up for workout classes might work best for you. Here are a few options to look into, depending on your goals.
- Hot Yoga: This is exactly what it sounds like … yoga performed in a hot room. If your goal is to increase your flexibility while getting a tough (and sweaty) workout in, this would be a great option for you. Classes are led by an instructor and most last 60-90 minutes. There are various studios in different cities, so try out a couple to find the one you like best. Lots of classes can be found by using the MindBody™ app as well.
- Pure Barre®: If you’re looking for a low impact workout with a low risk of injury, check out Pure Barre. This style of workout is designed to use small movements that add up to big results. Part of your 55-minute class will use a ballet-style handrail, while part takes place on the floor, using basic equipment.
- Orangetheory®: If your goal is to challenge your endurance and strength in a high intensity environment, consider this popular new option. These 60-minute sessions use heart-rate monitors to encourage you to push yourself, whether you’re weight training, using the treadmill, or on the indoor rowing machine (all three of which you will use in a traditional class).
Weightlifting Workout
Lifting weights can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. But the reality is that working weightlifting into your workout regimen can have huge benefits to your everyday life.
Strength will obviously benefit you if you’re someone who does a lot of heavy lifting at work or home. However, there are other benefits to weightlifting that we don’t often think about, like better sleep at night, increased bone density, improved posture, and injury prevention. Try adding weightlifting into your routine just 2-3 times per week … the results could shock you.
Be sure to incorporate both upper and lower body lifts into your weekly routine and try not to work one more often than the other. This will allow for ample recovery time for all of your muscle groups and ensure that injury won’t occur due to overuse.
New to weightlifting? Read this article for tips on getting started safely.
Working out can (and should) be fun. Try out different workout styles to see what you enjoy and what works best with your lifestyle. You may be surprised to find that you end up liking something you never saw yourself doing.
Now that you’ve got some new workout ideas, it’s time to talk about post-workout recovery! Read our post to learn more.
