Lost gym motivation after 12 years-help!

mattyoung1990

Perhaps it's time to switch up the routine and stop with the gym? I could never really commit to the gym, I found the local ones were too busy and when I did get to use the equipment, I found it too boring.

I did however keep my gym membership and started to investigate the various classes on offer. I now do circuit training 1-3 times a week and quite often mix it up with kettlebell training. There are lots of classes on offer, legs bums & tums, aerobics, pilates, depends what you're into I guess - why don't you check them out?

Also, as many others have suggested, get your own weights and do your workout at home? I've got a few dumbells at home as well as a pull up bar but many of my friends have started building there own gyms in their garages! I've also recently taken up cycling and there is nothing more satisfying than getting out on a nice ride after you come in from work (summer months more than the winter ones haha!)

Also, if you're into running, check out Park Run - a free 5km run on every Saturday morning.

P.s. if you want to take up 'gym-free' workouts, follow Stuart Amory on twitter. He runs a hashtag #FitTeam14 full of like-minded people who can offer lots of advice, help and most importantly, motivation!

Zamboff

If you do anything too much you will eventually get bored of it. Sounds obvious to say try other exercise like running or cycling, but the best motivation for me is to do something social like team sports or group activities. Touch rugby is fun and there are loads of boot camp services out there now for when the weather is nice. If you want to keep some gym access alongside your new routine then you could try looking for gyms that allow more flexible access like the ones listed on payasugym.com. They have loads of gyms at a discount where you just buy day passes when you need them if there is one near you. This means you don't have to give up on the gym entirely and then if you refind your mojo you can always sign up again when you are ready! The important thing is not to give up on exercise!

Andy1608

Get yourself a gym buddy where you can motivate each other, amazing the difference it makes

Hantsman

mattyyoung got in first with the advice I would give, find something else, a sport or activity. I have alternated between boxing and rugby when I move around with the army depending on what's available. I also play tennis/squash/badminton when I get the chance. It means that I get the social benefits, it's fun and I'm keeping fit all at the same time.

Any training I do in addition is helping me in my activities so there is a reason for doing them other than "I want to lose some weight"

Obviously look for a sport or activity that suits you and your own circumstances but there are people at the boxing gym I attend from 6-60 and they all benefit.

Good luck!

Beckyy

Try a different gym for a month? Might be worth a short drive or cycle to get your motivation going again.

LiveOnce

I think I know what you are experiencing OP.

It's tough because your previous gym was great and you built up a routine and habit with the gym. It gave you what you wanted.

But things change so you have to adapt.

Couple of suggestions:

1) Find another gym if it's 10mins drive away.

It's all about give and take. You could find a great gym which is less packed and more suited to your needs.

2) How about going to gym early? I.e. 6am before work?

Usually gyms are less packed around that time.

Good luck and I hope you find your inspiration again.