Easy Cheats at the Gym When You Don’t Feel Like Working Out, Trainer Says

Let's get real: Even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts have off days when they're not about exercising. As much as we know staying in shape involves consistency, your journey will undoubtedly include moments when you simply don't want to go get your workout done. Whether you had an overly busy weekend and are finding it tough to hit the gym, or you worked really late and feel unmotivated to do your routine, we're here to help. We've come up with easy cheats at the gym for those moments when you just don't feel like working out. If you want to achieve your fitness goals, then you have to put in the work even when you don't want to, and these tips will help you through it so much easier. You can thank us later, but for now, let's get started.

You may rely on motivation in order to get into your workout mode, but that can only take you so far. It's important to build strong habits so it's a natural and automatic process to show up. For the times when you're struggling and just don't feel like working out even though you're there, here are some easy tips to adopt so you can always get the most out of your gym time. Check them out below, and next up, don't miss The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Have an easy go-to workout

woman performing dumbbell pushups to get rid of armpit fat — Shutterstock

It's essential to have a go-to, simple workout you can default to when you don't feel like working out. It can be a simple full-body session where you're just going through the motions. This workout will keep it light while still getting a bit of a sweat so you leave the gym feeling good. It's a compromise, and it works.

To do this on a much-needed, easy day, consider following this template:

Leg exercise
Push exercise
Pull exercise
Arm exercise
Abs or cardio to finish

Have fun with new equipment

couples workout routine medicine ball toss exercise — Shutterstock

Sometimes, doing the same old routines feels played out. If you're used to doing the same types of exercises and styles of workouts, switch it up, and experiment with different types of machines or fitness equipment you don't typically use. This is a creative way for you to make your workout time more fun without pushing yourself to perform a full hard training session when you are just not into it. The important point here is you will benefit from exercising rather than blowing off your regular routine.

Take a class

zumba class, get toned without exercising — Shutterstock

Another way to keep things fresh while still getting some solid activity when you don't feel like it is to take a class at your gym. It's an easy plan to simply show up, let an instructor guide you through a fitness session, and you don't even have to think about it. You might find that a class you try out is something you really enjoy, and you'll end up incorporating it into your weekly rotation.

Work on your mobility

woman butterfly stretch, don't feel like working out switching up routine — Shutterstock

Many individuals neglect working on flexibility. If you're in this group, a day when you're feeling bored and not into your regular workout is an excellent time to spend performing various stretches and mobility drills.

Focus on opening up the most commonly tight areas, which include your shoulders, hips, and upper back. Go through a series of stretches that will open those particular areas up, then follow it up with deep belly breaths to calm down your nervous system and relax your entire body.