It’s very rare I hear someone say, “I’m so excited to go to the gym! It’s going to be the highlight of my day.”
Let’s face it. Getting on a cardio machine and staying in the same place for an hour isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. Yes, there are ways to make it more enjoyable. You can watch TV, listen to music and motivate yourself by thinking about how great you are going to feel when that hour is over, but the same routine can get monotonous.
You don’t necessarily have to get your exercise from the inside of a gym. I didn’t even see the inside of a gym until my senior year in high school because it wasn’t necessary. I had soccer that kept me in shape four days a week, and when I wasn’t on the soccer field I was at cross country or flag football practice.
I avoid gym burnout by exercising outside of the gym, doing what I love. Today, I had an intramural soccer game and got just as good a workout, if not better, as one I get at the gym. And unlike going to the gym, I look forward to going to my soccer games. No, I do not play at the same intensity as I did in high school, (I have to say I don’t miss the suicide runs) but it still gets my heart rate up.
Think about what you did in high school to stay in shape. Chances are you can continue that activity in college. If you’re a dancer, join a school dance team. If you like water sports, find a club that takes trips to the local lake. In addition to getting a workout, you will have the opportunity to meet people with similar interests.
Not a sports buff? That’s OK too. Take a break from your routine spinning class and go on a bike ride outside. You’ll be surprised by how different your workout will feel.
What do you do to avoid gym burnout?