5 ways to refresh your workout routine in 2022

New year, new you! Introducing exercise, or increasing your workout schedule, is one thing that often finds its way into people’s New Year resolutions. However, without the right approach, it doesn’t take long to fall off the bandwagon.

Gone are the days when working out was a quick fix to lose weight. Exercise is considered to be one of the best ways to improve and maintain your overall mental health and wellbeing - plus you get to enjoy the natural high from endorphins after a good session!

From finding the right gear to building a routine that you love, here are our top five tips to help keep you on track for the year ahead.

1. Start small and work your way up

If you’re not in the habit of training regularly, there’s no point in pushing yourself to workout six days a week from the start of the new year. Not only will this be a huge shock to the system, but pushing yourself too hard too soon can lead to injury, which will leave you on the sidelines instead of smashing your goals. Start small with a couple of workouts a week and build your way up to more frequent weekly sessions.

Establishing new habits and routines doesn’t happen overnight – it takes months of discipline to achieve. The easiest way to reach your end goal is to break it down into smaller, more manageable, less intimidating steps, so you’re more likely to get it done. There’s nothing more satisfying than finally reaching your goals, and  breaking them down can help you feel that sense of achievement more often!  

2. Balance is key

From fuelling your body with nourishing foods to giving yourself a break when you need it, a balanced approach is essential for a sustainable workout routine. 

Since you’ll be exerting more energy than usual, you need to make sure your body is getting enough sustenance to support your workouts. Eating a balanced diet doesn’t mean cutting out whole food groups or restricting foods you love, but it may mean making more mindful choices and swapping some food options for healthier ones.

Be sure to also keep hydrated, get plenty of sleep and take rest days when your body is feeling a bit battered and bruised.

3. Find a workout you enjoy

Whether it’s a group workout, high-intensity interval training, yoga or CrossFit, one of the best ways to refresh your workout routine is to find a form of exercise you enjoy!

Battling to stick to a workout that you absolutely despise just isn’t sustainable in the long term, so you’re better off sampling a variety of different workouts until you find something you enjoy doing. With so many gyms and fitness institutes offering free or discounted trials and classes, you’ve got the perfect excuse to take a range of different workouts for a spin before you commit to a membership.

If you’re not one for the gym, you can always try an at-home workout. Invest in some good-quality equipment that will help keep you motivated. Whether you prefer to start out small with an at-home weight set or sweat along to a YouTube video, try a range of workouts to find one you love.

Once you’ve found something you enjoy, you also need to make sure that it fits with your routine. There’s no point dragging yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn for a workout if you’re not a morning person. Instead, work it into your lifestyle and you’ll be more likely to stick with it over the long term.

4. Find a workout buddy

Sometimes it can be difficult to stay focused and motivated when you’re working out solo – having a friend join you can make it much easier. Not only is fitness more fun with a friend, but they help you stay accountable on days when you’d rather sleep in than get in a workout.

There are so many forms of exercise that you can enjoy with a pal, from group workouts to fun runs or an outdoor hike. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be getting bored with your workout routine anytime soon.

5. Get the gear

There’s nothing more motivating than a fresh set of activewear to get you in the mood for a workout. While you can’t rely on new, sporty threads to keep you motivated year-round, it can be a great way to refresh your style for the new year.

Beyond what you wear, it can also be a great idea to have a few basic pieces of fitness equipment at home. From resistance bands to skipping ropes and free weights, you can put together a great collection of workout gear so you can get the blood pumping from the comfort of your own home.

With our five ways to freshen up your workout routine, you can enjoy a fit and healthy year ahead!

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