How to Get Out of a Workout Slump Without Starting Over

We've all been there. You were in a great workout routine, feeling motivated and excited to move your body, and then life happened.

The good news? You don't have to completely start over!

Sometimes, all you need is a little reset to get back into a routine that makes you feel your best. Here are six things that have helped me get out of a workout slump and find my motivation again.

1. Make a Plan and Write It Down

Physically writing down your goals can be a great way to hold yourself accountable. Buy some fun stationery and start writing! Your plan could be a simple to-do list, daily tasks, your workouts for the week, or all the above.

I love the idea of physically writing out my goals and keeping them somewhere I will see them every day. Pin your list to your mirror, put it on your desk, or keep it somewhere you know you'll look.

There's something satisfying about checking a box off your list. And sometimes, that's all the motivation you need to get started!

2. Sign Up for a Workout Class

Does anyone else love the feeling they have after a great workout class?!

One of my favorite classes to attend is cycling. I show up, shut my brain off, and let the instructor do the thinking. Add in good music and a great sweat, and I always leave feeling better than when I walked in.

Find a class that you genuinely look forward to attending. Try something new each week if you can! Once you find a class you love, make it a regular part of your routine.

Having something fun on your calendar to look forward to can make it easier to get moving on the days when you aren't feeling particularly motivated.

3. Find an Accountability Buddy

We're more likely to follow through when someone else is counting on us to show up, too. Community can bring both joy and accountability to our workouts.

Text a friend and ask them to join you for a walk, workout class, or gym session. If you can't meet up in person, plan a phone call while you walk.

Sometimes, knowing that someone else is waiting for you- or simply having someone to talk to while you move- is the extra motivation you need.

4. Get Inspiration From Others

I say "get inspiration" very strategically: don't compare yourself.

Instead, find people who inspire you to become the best version of yourself. This could be someone you follow on social media, a friend, a family member, or even someone you see at your favorite workout class.

These people don't have to be doing the same workouts as you. Maybe they run marathons, love Pilates, lift weights, or simply prioritize taking a walk every day.

Use other people as inspiration to motivate you toward your own goals!

5. Focus on One Type of Workout for One Week

This one is important, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or don't know where to start.

Unless you already know that you enjoy doing a different type of workout every day, try picking one kind of workout to focus on for an entire week.

This is especially helpful for beginners. Instead of trying to figure out a new workout every single day, give yourself the chance to explore one type of movement and see how it feels.

For example, if you want to try yoga, sign up for one or two in-person classes and try a couple of yoga videos at home throughout the week. By the end of the week, you'll have a better idea of what you enjoy, what you don't, and whether you want to keep exploring it.

6. Reset Again Next Sunday

Sundays are my favorite day to set the tone for the week ahead.

Each Sunday, I like to write out my goals for the week in all different areas of my life: school, workouts, work, personal goals, and everything in between.

Having a designated day to reset, organize my schedule, and get my life together has been a game changer for me. It gives me a chance to look at the week ahead and decide when I realistically have time to schedule workouts.

You Don't Have to Start Over

Getting out of a workout slump doesn't mean you have to suddenly become the person who works out every single day. Sometimes, getting back into a routine starts with one small decision: signing up for a class, texting a friend, or simply putting on your sneakers and going for a walk.

Start small, try something new, and figure out what makes movement enjoyable for you. Nothing has to be perfect; all that matters is starting.