Ab Workouts for Women

Logging hours at the gym doesn’t have to be a drag. By changing up your routine, phoning a friend or even going on a shopping spree, your gym workouts can go from boring to flooring in no time. Grab your tennis shoes because here are 10 ways to make your gym workouts more fun:

Embrace Group Fitness

Pounding away on a treadmill day after day is no fun. Spice things up by signing up for a new fitness class. Get your hips shaking with Zumba. Channel your inner self and relive some stress with a yoga session. Rough day at the office? Get out your aggression in a kickboxing class.

Hydrate

By hydrating properly, you’ll actually have a more enjoyable time at the gym. Most people don’t drink enough water when they workout, leaving them overly tired with muscle cramps. Try bringing a water bottle with you next time. It may sound like a small step, but you’ll be more likely to rehydrate if you have water right next to you instead of having to walk across the gym to the drinking fountain every time you’re thirsty.

Bring a Buddy

Grab a gym buddy to distract you from particularly hard workouts. The miles will fly by when you’re chatting about the latest fashion trends with one of your girlfriends. A good friend will be there to pick you up when you try to bail on a workout session. Plus, how can you focus on your exhausted quads when she’s filling you in on the latest gossip?

Set Goals

As humans, we like a little healthy competition. Set goals for yourself. Can you lift 20 more pounds by next month? Will you be able to run an extra mile or two next week? If you need a little push to keep yourself going, give yourself some incentive. Promise yourself a new workout tank or sushi lunch when you hit your goal.

Switch Things Up

Following the same workout plan week after week gets old fast. Revamp your routine with something totally different. Are you a treadmill junkie? Hit the free weights instead. Switching up your gym workouts is not only the cure for boredom, but it also helps you get more fit by working different muscles.

Fresh Gear

I know I promised justification for a shopping spree. Here it is. When it comes to working out, what’s more inspirational than a new pair of tennis shoes or a new yoga mat? Treat yourself to that pair of running pants you’ve been drooling over and you won’t be able to wait to try them out at the gym.

Sign Up for a Race

Signing up for a fitness event will give you a goal and incentive to train. Push yourself. If you’ve run a couple 10Ks in the past, shoot for a half marathon this time. If you’re a brand new runner, sign up for a 5K with a fun theme, like a color run or rave run.  Want to push yourself to your limits?  Try an obstacle race with a few friends! Plus, most races’ funds go toward a good cause so you’ll be giving back while you work out.

Bubbly Beats

Sometimes some new beats can bring new inspiration to your gym workouts. Take a few minutes to throw together a new playlist. Grab the most up-beat, catchy, obnoxious songs you can find in your iTunes. Don’t have a gigantic music library to choose from? Check out Pandora’s Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout station, filled with songs that make you want to move your body.

Take Your Training Outside

Sometimes, no matter what you do, gyms can feel stuffy and tedious. If you hit the gym workout wall, get active in the great outdoors. Go for a jog around the lake or hike in nearby woods. You’ll feel rejuvenated in no time.

Give Yourself a Break

If you’ve worked out for the last six days straight, maybe it’s time for a break. Taking a day off with make your next trip to the gym more fun and something to look forward to.

Sources:

-“Eight Ways to Revamp Your Home Workout Routine” Total Gym

-“How to Spice Up Your Indoor Workouts” Active

-“5 Ways to Spice up Your Workout in 2013” Ace Fitness

-“7 Easy Ways to Spice Up Your Workout” Fit Body HQ