Add Spice to Your Workout Routine this Fall

Piloxing. Bootcamp. High Intensity Interval Training. Paddleboard Yoga. Ballet Burn. Zumba.  Soul Cycle.  The choices are endless. However, often we have a hard time “motivating” when it comes to exercise. A key to staying inspired is to regularly spice up your fitness routine.  

Keeping your routine fresh can stave off boredom, help you meet a fitness goal, avoid muscle stagnation, and aid in injury prevention. Following are my top tips for keeping yourself in motion, even during these dreary Fall days:

• Try a new fitness class or exercise – You used to love playing chase as a kid, but now the sight of those running shoes makes you think about that dreaded four mile run you have to tackle tomorrow morning?  If you keep doing the same old thing day in and day out, you are going to plateau and stop seeing those solid results. Mix up your workout.  If you are a runner, add in yoga or spinning a few times a week to keep things interesting.

• Get a friend involved – Not looking forward to tomorrow morning’s Pilates class?  Call a friend and ask him/her to join you.  Having to meet a friend keeps you honest.  You don’t want to stand him/her up, right?  Plus, if there’s time you can grab coffee afterward and chat about your fitness goals.  Nothing like a little friendly competition!

• Get Outside – You’ve been hopping on the same treadmill at the same gym for the last 8 months.  The good news is that Fall is the perfect time to take your exercise routine outdoors, given the nice, cool temperatures.  Hit the bike trails, head out for a hilly (yet scenic) walk or run, or get the guys together for a game of pickup basketball.

Don’t forget to listen to your body. While you can expect some soreness when beginning a new routine, any serious pain should be addressed immediately. Remember to stretch before and after your workout to stay limber and help avoid injury.

If you suffer from any sort of injury as a result of a change in your workout, call Dr. Matthew T. Boes, orthopaedic surgeon, today and schedule an appointment.