Avoid the workout rut
Balanced Life|July 2022
Whether you're bored, have lost motivation or (gasp!) stopped seeing them gains, there are ways to inject new life into your exercise routine
ANDREA ROBERTSON
Avoid the workout rut

We get it the middle of the year is an awkward time to keep up with your workout routine. You're tired (it's been a long year). You're demotivated (beachside cocktails sound way more appealing, right?). You have a million things going on (family gatherings, mid-year workload, life admin). But if you find that you'd rather be doing anything other than working out, you may just need a routine overhaul. Here are the top rut-busting workout strategies to avoid having to start your fitness goals from square one, and stick to building your summer body in winter.

Get a workout buddy

Ever heard of the Köhler motivation-gain effect? In the 1920s, German industrial psychologist Otto Köhler discovered that exercising in a group not only upped an individual's motivation to exercise, but also increased their maximum output - and countless studies since have backed his findings.

Knowing that others are depending on you, as well as not wanting to be the weakest in the group, boosts your performance and motivation to go harder for longer. Whether it's a friend, partner or a new friend you met at the gym, set a goal together and help each other achieve it. You'll see how much easier it is to get off the couch and head to the gym when you know someone is there waiting for you.

Set goals. Smash them

This story is from the July 2022 edition of Balanced Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2022 edition of Balanced Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BALANCED LIFEView All
5 MINUTES WITH VIWO KULATI SINGER SONGWRITER
Balanced Life

5 MINUTES WITH VIWO KULATI SINGER SONGWRITER

You know you've made it in life when one of your career highlights is having worked as a back-up vocalist for the acclaimed Zonke Dikana.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
What's on?
Balanced Life

What's on?

From lifestyle to laughs, there's plenty to see and do this month.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
VISAfree visits
Balanced Life

VISAfree visits

Travel can be a bit expensive, especially when all the costs start to add up. Consider these countries to help lessen the price tag and increase your shopping budget.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Self love CLUB
Balanced Life

Self love CLUB

Self-care can mean a number of things. Here's how to get fluent in your own self-love language.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Unleash your CREATIVI
Balanced Life

Unleash your CREATIVI

Through creative expression, we can better understand ourselves. Making time for art is not just a way for you to unleash your imagination, but to soothe your mind.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
PUT YOUR MONEY ON THE WALL
Balanced Life

PUT YOUR MONEY ON THE WALL

Investing in art isn't just for the elite. We show you how to start your own stellar collection, one masterpiece at a time.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2024
IS A 4-DAY WEEK POSSIBLE?
Balanced Life

IS A 4-DAY WEEK POSSIBLE?

Working 300 hours a week doesn't necessarily mean success and more productivity. Perhaps we need to take a 'less is more' approach...

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
Sting like Bee
Balanced Life

Sting like Bee

Paula Lakay, or Ms Paula Bee as she's known on the socials, turned her love of content creation into a career, expressing her creativity in more ways than one.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2024
More than a WOMAN
Balanced Life

More than a WOMAN

While playing Modern Family's beloved character Gloria, Sofía Vergara has been building her own business empire and sharpening her skills to play her dream role. And if you're surprised, then she thinks that's on you.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2024
CHOCOLATE CHECKOUT
Balanced Life

CHOCOLATE CHECKOUT

Easter calls for everything chocolate and we've got six spectacular ways to satisfy your sweet (and savoury) tooth.

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024