Getting in shape can be an exciting journey at the beginning. However, once you stop noticing significant body transformations and focus on maintaining your fitness levels, things can feel a little dull. Everybody hits a plateau in their fitness resolutions. But, what most people don’t realise is that you often hit a plateau after you’ve achieved your goals.

Indeed, a lot of enthusiastic gym-goers tend to lose their motivation when they’ve reached their objectives. Hitting the gym to maintain your results rather than improve yourself can get a little boring in the long term. What’s the excitement when your primary purpose is to remain exactly the same as you are? This is precisely the kind of situation where you need to introduce new and appealing changes to your routine. Otherwise, you’re at risk of giving up and undoing your hard work!

Buy an outfit that makes you happy

When was the last time you changed your fitness outfit? If you’re going to find some motivation to head to the gym, a brand new outfit from your favourite brand can work wonders! You can still find fitness brands running clearance offers, such as Anax Fitness, for instance. So why not find something that motivates you without breaking the bank! A brand new top to flex your biceps next time you’re lifting weights is the perfect inspiration to push yourself a little harder.

Image captured by Deano Moore Photography.

Get out of the gym

Ultimately, not everyone likes the gym. You might have grown bored of the same equipment and challenges. Changing your environment can help you to reconnect with your original fitness quest. Have you considered swimming? Our pool at David Lloyd Clubs is great for taking your mind of things and it’s a great workout too. What about running outside instead of on a treadmill? Running on the beach is a great exercise that keeps your mind focused and helps you to clear your mind. Besides, if you’ve got pets, outdoor activities are the ideal opportunity to play with your dog.

Try a new healthy meal

When you follow a routine, your meals tend to stick to the same plan. Week after week, you find yourself eating the same healthy meals. Sure, you know they’re full of goodness, but at the same time, you deserve some new tastes. If you’re worried about dramatically changing your meals, you can instead introduce a different recipe each week. Jamie Oliver has plenty of healthy dinner ideas that are not only light and rich in vitamins but also easy to make. Imagine replacing your usual dish with something new and exciting without affecting your fitness results. It’s a little bit like a treat, but without any of the risks.

Is it time for a treat?

Finally, when was the last time you allowed yourself a sweet – and somewhat unhealthy – treat? Maintaining your fitness routine is essential to your health; however, a too strict diet could be counterproductive. You need to give yourself some free room for cheat meals once in a while. In the long term, strict fitness diets can increase the risk of cravings, which ultimately are likely to send you back to your former body!

High discipline, strict meal plans and lack of exciting activities can create a rather dull picture of fitness. If you’re training your maintain your shape and strength, you need to make room for exciting novelties, whether it’s a new outfit or a naughty snack. Otherwise, what’s the point of staying fit if you find no pleasure in it?