Breaking Out of the Fitness Rut: How to Reignite Your Passion for Working Out

We’ve all been there. One day, you’re crushing workouts, feeling unstoppable, and then—boom. Life happens. Your schedule changes, work gets crazy, vacations throw you off, or maybe you're just not feeling it anymore. Suddenly, the motivation that used to come so easily? Gone.

Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count. Between travel, unexpected schedule changes, and even life’s emotional ups and downs, I’ve hit plenty of fitness ruts. But here’s the thing: getting back on track is totally possible. Sometimes, it just takes a little shake-up, a mindset shift, and a reminder of why you started in the first place.

If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or just plain unmotivated, let’s get you out of that rut and back to feeling excited about your workouts again!

Identify What’s Holding You Back

Before you can fix the rut, you have to figure out why you’re in one in the first place. Ask yourself:

• Is it a lack of time? (Has your schedule changed?)

• Are you feeling burned out? (Too much intensity without enough rest?)

• Do your workouts feel stale? (Are you doing the same routine over and over?)

• Are outside stressors draining your energy? (Work, relationships, lack of sleep?)

For me, I’ve struggled the most with schedule disruptions. When I travel or my class schedule shifts, it throws off my routine, and before I know it, days have passed without a workout. Identifying that issue helped me make a plan to stay active no matter what’s going on in life.

Once you pinpoint what’s causing your rut, you can start making adjustments to get back on track!

Shake Up Your Routine

If you’ve been doing the same workouts for months, it might be time to switch things up!

Here’s what I do when I start feeling bored with my routine:

✔️ Try a new workout format (Pilates, boxing, rowing—something fresh!)
✔️ Take my workouts outside (beach runs, hiking, cycling outdoors)
✔️ Change my music playlist (music makes all the difference—switch up the vibe!)
✔️ Join a challenge (30-day challenges are great for rekindling motivation)

When I first started lifting weights, I was hooked on the challenge, and it completely reignited my excitement for fitness! If spin is feeling repetitive, I’ll mix in HIIT workouts or even yoga. Sometimes, all it takes is something new to spark that energy again.

Schedule It Like an Appointment (Non-Negotiable!)

I can’t stress this enough—if you don’t schedule your workouts, life will find a way to push them aside. Trust me, I’ve been guilty of saying, “I’ll work out later”—and later never comes.

Instead, treat your workouts like unbreakable appointments on your calendar:

📅 Block out time for your workouts in advance
⏰ Pick a time that works best (morning? lunch break? evening?)
✅ Make it non-negotiable—just like a meeting or dinner date

For me, mornings are best—before the day gets crazy. Even if it’s just 30 minutes, getting it done first thing makes me feel accomplished and sets the tone for the day.

Start Small & Build Back Up

If you’ve been skipping workouts, the worst thing you can do is jump back in full force and burn out again.

Instead, start small and rebuild:

➡️ Day 1: Just show up—even if it’s a short walk or stretch
➡️ Week 1: Focus on consistency over intensity
➡️ Each week, increase effort—a little more cardio, a little more strength

When I’ve fallen off my routine, I start with simple, enjoyable movement—maybe a quick spin session or a beach walk. The goal is to get moving again without pressure.

Find a Workout Buddy or Group for Accountability

Nothing reignites motivation like having a friend or a group to hold you accountable!

🚴‍♀️ Join a group class (spin, HIIT, or strength training—instant motivation!)
📲 Text a friend to work out together (accountability makes a difference!)
🏆 Set up a friendly competition (who can hit the most steps this week?)

For me, teaching spin and group fitness keeps me accountable because I know my class is counting on me. But even when I’m not teaching, I love group workouts because the energy, support, and fun push me harder than I’d push myself.

Create a Motivating Environment

Your surroundings can make or break your motivation. If your workout space feels uninspiring, try this:

✔️ Lay out your workout clothes the night before
✔️ Get a killer new playlist (good music = instant energy boost!)
✔️ Set up a fun home workout area (if working out at home)
✔️ Follow motivating fitness accounts (surround yourself with inspiration!)

Whenever I’m in a rut, buying a new set of workout clothes or updating my playlist gives me an instant motivation boost!

Remember WHY You Started

At the end of the day, the biggest motivation booster is reminding yourself why you started.

For me, fitness was my escape when I was at my lowest. It gave me strength—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Every workout became a reminder that I was in control of my life, my happiness, and my future.

When motivation dips, ask yourself:

❓ Why did you start?
❓ How do you feel after a great workout?
❓ What’s your long-term goal?

Even if it’s just to feel stronger, happier, or more energized, that’s enough. You deserve to feel good.

No Matter What...Keep Moving Forward

Ruts happen. Life gets in the way. Motivation fades. But you can always find your way back.

🚀 Identify what’s holding you back
🔥 Shake up your routine
📆 Schedule workouts like an appointment
💡 Start small & rebuild consistency
💪 Find support & accountability
🎵 Create a motivating workout environment
❤️ Remember why you started

And most importantly—give yourself grace. Fitness isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, growth, and showing up for yourself.

So, are you ready to break out of that rut? Let’s get back at it—one step, one workout, one day at a time.

As always, thank you so much for spending a few minutes of your time with me today! Don’t forget to check out my Class Schedule for all my upcoming locations and times — I’d love to see you in class! And if you’re curious about any of my go-to products or recommendations, head over to the My Favorites page where I answer all your most frequently asked questions about what I use and love. Until next time...

...stay happy and healthy!