Despite the numerous benefits, many individuals find lifting weights too boring to maintain as a regular exercise routine. Are you in the same category?
If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with it.
However, there is good news. Several strategies can be used to make weightlifting fun and enjoyable.
In this article, we’ll share 5 tips to help you add some excitement to your weightlifting sessions:
1. Set Achievable Goals
Setting achievable goals gives you a sense of direction and purpose.
Make sure your weight lifting goals are specific, measurable, and achievable so that you can track the progress and feel accomplished when you reach them.
Avoid targets beyond capability, for example, increasing the reps or weights every day.
Because eventually, it will become impossible to keep up. Remember, growth is always sporadic; don’t try to make it linear.
2. Switch Up Your Routine
Doing the same exercises every day can become boring.
Try switching up your routine by incorporating new exercises or variations of exercises.
You can also change the order in which you perform your exercises or try a different rep and set scheme.
3. Find A Workout Buddy
Having a workout partner can make weightlifting more enjoyable and fun.
You can motivate and push each other to achieve your goals, and it can be a great way to socialize while getting fit.
4. Listen To Your Favorite Podcasts
Podcasts can help you stay focused and motivated during a weightlifting session.
Create a playlist of your favorite content creators and listen to them while working out.
It will benefit you in 2 ways:
- you will learn new things
- your focus won’t be totally on the struggles of lifting weights
5. Celebrate Your Progress
It is important to express happiness on things that are hard to achieve.
Take pictures or keep a journal of your progress and celebrate milestones along the way, whether it’s increasing your weight or mastering a new exercise.
What To Do If Lifting Weights Is Still Boring?
If weightlifting still feels boring despite trying the tips mentioned above, there are several other things to consider:
1. Try A Different Form Of Weights Exercise
Using free weights is not the only way, instead you can try something else like yoga, Pilates, or any other activity that involves lifting your body weight.
Experiment with different exercises until you find the one that resonates with you.
2. Hire A Personal Trainer
A personal trainer can assist you in designing a customized workout plan aligned with your objectives and preferences.
They can also offer direction, motivation, and accountability to help you stay focused.
3. Join A Fitness Community
Participating in a fitness community, such as a local gym, can foster a sense of support.
You’ll meet people with similar interests and goals who can inspire and motivate you.
4. Take a break
Occasionally, taking a break from weightlifting can help you reset and approach it with a renewed perspective.
Take a few days or weeks off from weightlifting and try a different form of exercise.
When you’re ready, return to weightlifting with a fresh mindset and newfound enthusiasm.
The Role Of Mindset In Enjoying Weightlifting:
Our mindset, which refers to our attitudes and beliefs towards weightlifting, can influence how we approach our workouts and how much we enjoy them.
Here are some ways in which mindset can impact your enjoyment of weightlifting:
1. Embrace The Process
Instead of solely focusing on the end result, find joy in each repetition, feel good about the effort put in, and celebrate small victories along the way.
2. Cultivate A Growth Mindset
A growth mindset sees challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and improve.
In the context of weightlifting, this means embracing the learning curve, being patient with oneself, and believing that improvement is possible with practice.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration, making weightlifting less enjoyable.
A positive mindset sets achievable expectations for progress and is patient with the pace of improvement.
4. Focus On The Present Moment
A positive mindset is focused on the present moment, rather than worrying about past mistakes or future goals.
Be fully engaged in the workout, tune out distractions, and enjoy the physical sensations of lifting weights.
5. Challenging Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs, such as “I’m not strong enough” or “I’ll never be able to lift that much weight,” can hold us back and make weightlifting less enjoyable.
A positive mindset challenges these beliefs and replaces them with more empowering ones.
Alternatives To Weightlifting:
If weightlifting is not your cup of tea, you can try some alternative workouts that are equally engaging and effective. These include:
1. Bodyweight Exercises
Push-ups, squats, and lunges are excellent examples of bodyweight exercises that require no equipment and can be done anywhere.
There are also many variations to keep your workouts interesting.
2. High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is an effective full-body workout that entails brief bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest. It can be more stimulating than traditional weightlifting.
3. Cardiovascular Exercise
Running, cycling, swimming, and other forms of cardio can be enjoyable and help you build endurance while burning calories.
4. Group Fitness Classes
Joining a group fitness class like yoga, Pilates, or dance can be a fun and engaging way to stay motivated during your workouts.
It’s also an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
5. Sports
Participating in sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis can be a thrilling way to get a workout while developing new skills and having fun competing with others.
6. Functional training
This type of exercise mimics everyday movements to develop strength, balance, and flexibility. It can be more engaging than traditional weightlifting.
7. Outdoor activities
Hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities can be an enjoyable way to get a workout while exploring new places and enjoying the great outdoors.
