Working out: Sometimes it can be hard to get excited about it. 😜 If you're sore, if you're bored, if you just can't work up the motivation to head to the mat and do the same thing you did yesterday (and the day before, and the day before...), guess what. That's NORMAL.
Sometimes your body (and MIND!!!) gets too used to the same workout if you do it too much. After a while, you might even stop seeing results (in addition to kinda getting tired of it). 🤷♀️
Let's talk about some different at-home workouts that could be SUPER fun to try the next time you're in a workout rut to help you cross-train and get outta that plateau!
1. Ballet 👯♀️
In addition to giving you some killer dance moves, Ballet is a good way to work on endurance and muscle toning. It can increase hand-eye coordination and balance, as well, making you steadier on your feet and more ~graceful~ when you attempt new moves in other disciplines.
(Psst: If you don't have a barre at home - we don't! - you can easily do these by holding onto a chair, doorframe, bookshelf, nearby wall...you name it!)
2. Strength Training (With Weights) 🏋️♀️
We know that weights are definitely optional for seeing results with your at-home practice. We know that bodyweight exercise alone can be MORE than enough!!!
HOWEVER. Sometimes, upping the ante just a little bit with some small dumbbells can force your muscles to go a little further. You'll be sore the next day, but over time, your muscles will get used to it and grow. Suddenly, side planks and squats won't seem quite so difficult! 👊 ✌️
3. Cardio Dance/Heels 💃
We've all got a guilty pleasures kitchen dancing playlist, right!? 😂 If you've ever attended a dance or just danced like no one's watching at home, you know that it's a good way to get your heart pumping.
Devoting time to some aerobic dancing not only delivers a cardio workout, but it can help your sense of timing and rhythm...and, because (let's be real) most of us definitely won't get the moves "right" the first time, we'll probably be laughing well before the end of the workout. (And laughter is really the best workout, anyway, right!?!?) 🤪
4. Yoga 🧘♀️ 💁♀️
Because yoga can incorporate slower or more gentle movements, it can be easy to disregard it and think of it as a less optimal work out activity. It's true that yoga can offer you a chance to meditate, work on your breath, and slow down - but isn't that something we all need, anyway???
However, yoga can definitely be ramped up to intense levels of bodyweight strength training. With a yoga practice, you'll learn perseverance and patience...and you'll definitely get some great stretches, balance, and flexibility practice in!
5. Running/Walking 🏃♀️
Ahh, running. It's either totally your thing or the workout you dread...it doesn't seem like there's any in-between!
Consider this: Running helps strengthen your knees and leg muscles, is incredible cardio, has been shown to keep you happy, and even burns calories and keeps your metabolism working for a while after you've come to a full stop.
If you're concentrating on indoor cross-training, you might not have thought of running as a particularly useful option. However, you can TOTALLY run inside...and you can do it barefoot, too.
Worried that thirty minutes of patiently running in place doesn't sound too fun? 😳 We get that!!! Take advantage of the fact that you're inside and near technology by:
- Watching a favorite show or Youtube video
- Chatting with a friend over a call
- Jogging for ten minutes while listening to music, then doing a quick challenge workout, then jogging or walking in place for 10 minutes to cool down
Bonus: Swimming and Water Sports 🏊♀️ 👊 🙌
We know, we know: Water sports require access to a pool or a river, which isn't always an option. However, as we get into the summer months, if you have the availability to safely get out on the water, it's a great way to see some exercise benefits, to give your joints a break, and to take in some incredible Vitamin D sunshine therapy. ☀️ 🌊
Swimming laps is always a good option, but playing water polo or just keeping yourself afloat and having fun can work muscles you normally wouldn't on land. (Speaking of water activities that are GREAT workouts, grab a kayak or canoe if you can: INCREDIBLE arm and shoulder work, there!) 🛶
OMG, when you think of all of the fantastically diverse ways that we can work our muscles, just "working out" seems like WAY less of a chore, right!?!? Lean into the adventure of learning just what you're capable of. If you have to get creative to see results and feel good about your workout, you can consider that cross-training for your brain, as well!! 🤪 ✌️
Are you into cross-training already?? What are some of your favorite ways to switch up your workout routine?!?
