No matter what time of year it is, sometimes you just get in a rut and wonder what the best workout for you is. Whether you’ve been doing the same thing for years, or you can’t keep anything going for longer than 2 weeks.
You aren’t alone!
There are so many variables when it comes to what’s best for you and your goals. Life can throw you curveballs from job changes to injuries, family matters to just lack of interest.
It’s how you deal with those changes and variables that will make the biggest difference. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve done something perfectly, but how long you CHOOSE to do something, even if it’s not perfect.
That’s where lasting change happens, and the healthy lifestyle is created.
Finding Balance Without Burnout
If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, balancing a busy career or business with a sustainable fitness routine can feel impossible. Throw relationships, potential children and whatever else is going on in the world, and you’ve got what feels like a mountain fighting against you!
Maybe you’ve tried countless workout plans, but they’ve left you bored, exhausted, or forcing yourself to push through. Sound familiar?
The truth is, the best workout for you is one that fits your lifestyle and evolves with your goals. Let me help you find out how to find the perfect routine for your busy life and reclaim your energy without burning out with these 3 simple questions.
1. Is Your Workout Routine Serving You?
Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are three signs it’s time to rethink your workout:
- Boredom: Are you just going through the motions? A stale routine can drain motivation and make it difficult to keep going. Even if you’ve enjoyed it in the past, it doesn’t mean it has to stay that way forever.
- Forcing It: If you dread your workouts or aren’t seeing progress, it might be time for a change. Also, if you feel the need to watch or listen to motivational speeches in order to walk out the door, it’s time to find something else. It’s possible to WANT and CHOOSE your workout each day.
Exhaustion: Feeling tired instead of energized? Your routine should support, not deplete, your energy. There could be other factors like your diet associated with it as well, so check out Why Diets Don’t Work to see if that’s also affecting your energy.
These are just 3 examples that could be a good sign that it’s time for change. But I want you to figure that out for yourself. Grab your journal and think back to how things have been going.
- Are you bored with the workout or is there something about it you don’t like?
- Are you just going through the motions because it’s part of your routine?
- Is the workout draining you more than challenging you?
This will help you understand exactly what it is that’s making this difficult for you.
And if you’d like some quick workout ideas when you’re short on time, subscribe do my Diary and get 20+ workout ideas you can do in 10 minutes.
Once you join, then you can move on to step two.
2. Understanding Your “Why”
Your motivation for working out goes deeper than just weight loss. It could be:
- Feeling more confident in your skin.
- Entering that competition in 2 months.
- Sleeping better to stay sharp at work.
- Building strength to enjoy outdoor hobbies like hiking or paddleboarding.
- Looking to get a new max on your favorite lift.
Knowing your “why” keeps you focused, even on busy days.
Write down WHY you’re wanting to workout to begin with.
- What will it bring?
- What will that life look like for you?
- How will you feel?
- Is it worth the investment into yourself to accomplish?
From here, all that’s left to do is figure out what the workout you need NOW is.
3. Exploring Workouts That Fit Your Life
Your routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It should reflect your interests and goals as they eb and flow through life. Here are some ideas:
- Social Workouts: Try a dance class, group cycling or free bootcamp class outside.
- Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, kayaking, or even walking your dog.
- Solo Focus: Strength training, yoga, or at-home routines (check out my Done in 10 workouts on YouTube for some quick ideas!).
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Fitness is about finding joy, not just results.And depending on your background, this can be the hardest part.
I used to be chest deep into the hustle and grind mindset where if I didn’t workout for at least 2 hours, I didn’t do enough. I needed to be sweaty, on the verge of passing out and seeing others come and go from the gym while I kept going. We need to change this!
It’s not a test or challenge to be able to say “I’ve done _____ for ____ years and look at me now!”
Wouldn’t you rather share different things you’ve done to stay active with life’s different changes?
Sometimes all I have is long walks in me, other times it’s a strength building workout program, and other times it’s daily classes at my local CrossFit gym.
But if you’re in between training styles and trying to find something to spark your interest, I’d love to help! Check out my Fitness Series where I share all the different workout styles and formats throughout my own fitness journey. It’s the best for people who enjoy switching up their routine regularly.
And if you’d like some ideas on what those workouts can look like, I’ve got a few other blog posts that share some sample workouts you can try for free:
CrossFit Workout Ideas
Group/Partner Workout Ideas
Gym Workout Ideas
Hybrid Workout Plan (Running, Boxing and Strength)
4. Embrace the Evolution of Your Fitness Journey
Switching up your routine doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s a sign of growth. As your life changes, your workouts should adapt too.
Now it’s time for the fun stuff! Treat your workouts like an experiment. Test new styles, have fun, and don’t worry about perfection.
If you’re able to create balance and a new mindset with your workouts, you’ll be able to keep a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. Because then it’s not about perfection, it’s about finding ways to make it work with all life throws at you. And the more open and flexible you are, the more you’ll be able to keep it.
If you’d like a little more direct support and guidance in deciding your next steps though, book a 1:1 coaching call with me. I’ll answer all your questions, see where you’re at and where you want to go, and together we’ll come up with simple steps to get you started on the right track.
Remember, fitness is about creating a routine that energizes you and fits your lifestyle now, not the other way around. Take the first step toward a sustainable fitness journey today!
Your next reads:
Why Diets Don’t Work
CrossFit Workout Ideas
Group/Partner Workout Ideas
Gym Workout Ideas
Hybrid Workout Plan (Running, Boxing and Strength)
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