10 Signs You Need to Switch Up Your Exercise Routine

If you’re just getting started on your fitness journey or have been on it for a while, it’s important to listen to your body and stay tuned into how your workouts are feeling. While it’s normal to experience some repetition in your exercise routine, falling into a workout rut can stunt your progress and demotivate you. Here are ten clear signs that it’s time to refresh your workout regimen.

You’re No Longer Seeing Results

When the scale hasn’t budged or your strength hasn’t increased in weeks, it’s a sign you’ve hit a plateau. Your body adapts to repetitive stress over time, so switch it up to keep the gains coming.

Workouts Feel Too Easy

If you breeze through your routine without breaking a sweat or getting your heart rate up, your body isn’t being challenged anymore. It’s time to increase the intensity or try new types of exercises.

You’re Frequently Bored or Unmotivated

Exercise shouldn’t always feel like a chore. If you’re not excited about your workout, it’s a clear sign you need to inject some variety and fun into your routine. Try a new class, swap out cardio for strength or try something completely new like pilates or yoga.

You’re Always Sore or Fatigued

Constant soreness isn’t a badge of honor — it could indicate overtraining. Rest is crucial, but so is a diverse routine that gives muscle groups time to recover fully. Try adding in a rest day or active recovery day like a yoga class.

You Experience No Muscle Soreness At All

On the flip side, if you’re not feeling any muscle soreness at all a day or two after your workouts, you might not be pushing yourself enough. A little bit of healthy muscle soreness is a sign of adaptation.

You Have Hit Specific Plateaus

If you’re unable to lift heavier weights, run faster, or complete more reps despite consistent efforts, your body may have adapted to the stress level. Time to bring in new moves!

Fuel Your Workouts

Getting enough protein is key to staying fueled during your workouts. Here are some of our best protein recipes:

• Viral Cottage Cheese Recipes
• How to Make Protein Ice Cream at Home
• Protein Packed Snack Ideas

Your Mood Hasn’t Improved

Regular exercise should boost your mood due to endorphin release. If you’re still feeling down or stressed after working out, it might be due to a monotonous routine. Try switching it up with a new class or workout.

You Skip Workouts Often

When skipping the gym becomes more common than attending, ask yourself if it’s the routine that’s causing the lack of motivation. Sometimes, all you need is a new set of exercises to get back on track.

You Have Persistent Aches and Pains

Nagging aches can be a sign that you’re overusing some muscles while neglecting others. Diversity in your training can help balance this out and reduce injury risk.

Your Goals Have Changed

What worked for you in the beginning may not align with your current fitness goals. Reassess and adjust your workout plan as you evolve to stay aligned with your objectives.

Switching Up Your Routine

Switching up your routine isn’t just a good way to keep things interesting — it’s also critical for your physical progress and mental wellbeing. Always give your body the attention it deserves and be ready to adapt your exercise plan to fit your personal growth and changing goals.

Ready to try something new? Try these workouts:

• Do Group Fitness Classes Live up to the Hype?
• Exercises You Can Do on the Go
• 15 Easy Exercises