What to Do When You’re Bored with Your Workouts

Hint: It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Let’s be honest: even when you love fitness (like I do), you’re going to get bored sometimes.

You’ll wake up and feel meh about your workout. You’ll go through the motions. You’ll wonder if something’s wrong with you — or if you just need to switch it all up completely.

I get it. I’ve been there too.

But here’s what I’ve learned after a decade of training, competing, and showing up no matter what:

Boredom isn’t a red flag. It’s part of the process.

Why Boredom Happens — Even When You Love Training

Most people start working out because they want change. They’re excited. Motivated. They’re chasing a goal, a version of themselves they haven’t met yet.

But as the months go by, that newness wears off.
You’ve hit your first milestones. The gains are slower. The workouts start to feel familiar. Maybe even repetitive.

That’s normal.

The truth is, fitness isn’t always thrilling.

Even the most elite athletes have days where training feels flat. What separates those who keep going? They learn how to work with the boredom — instead of constantly trying to escape it.

So What Can You Do?

If you’re in a rut, here are a few ways to re-energize your workouts — without throwing away everything you’ve built:

1. Train for a Skill, Not Just a Burn

Sometimes we get stuck in output mode: burn calories, hit reps, sweat hard. But skill-based training can wake up your brain and body.

Try:

• Handstands
• Pull-up progressions
• Jump rope variations
• Pistol squats or balance drills

Give yourself permission to suck at something new.

2. Change the Format, Not the Content

You don’t need all-new exercises — just a different container.

• If you normally do timed intervals, try reps.
• If you always do circuits, try EMOMs or ladders.
• If you usually follow strict structure, give yourself a freestyle “movement jam” day.

Tiny changes = fresh focus.

3. Cycle Your Intensity

You don’t have to go hard every day. In fact, you shouldn’t.

Try alternating:

• Hard days (HIIT, sprints, plyometrics)
• Skill days (lower heart rate, focus on control)
• Recovery days (walks, mobility, low-impact strength)

You’ll feel fresher — and more motivated — when your nervous system isn’t constantly fried.

4. Add Play or Challenge

Movement doesn’t have to be so serious.

Set a fun mini-challenge for the week. Try a new sport. Train outside. Race yourself on a benchmark workout. Create a silly goal that makes you smile — like holding a plank during commercial breaks.

Play keeps you coming back.

Final Thought: Don’t Panic. Keep Going.

If you’re feeling bored, it doesn’t mean you’re off track. It just means you’ve been at this a while. And that’s a good thing.

The real power of fitness isn’t found in the early “honeymoon” phase. It’s found in the seasons when you keep showing up, even when it’s not thrilling. Even when it’s just… solid.

That’s how you build something that lasts.