Aug 29, 2025
Fitness ruts can happen. Boredom with your workout routine, and even a lack of time or energy, can put you in a rut. The remedy? Challenge yourself with new activities—like these!
Staying motivated and continuing to meet your fitness goals requires that you routinely challenge yourself with new and different ways to work out. Overcoming common fitness barriers, such as a lack of time or energy, can help. These 3 inspiring fitness challenges can help you do both by infusing new life into your workout routine.
Challenge #1: Try a new kind of exercise you haven't tried before but really want to
If you tend to do the same workout routine over and over—you’re bound to get bored. Your motivation may drop. And your body will adapt, causing a dip in your fitness gains. Finding novel ways to exercise is a simple and fun solution to this problem. Mixing in new forms of exercise on a regular basis will vary your workout routine. You’ll feel more challenged, and your workouts will become engaging. These perks can raise your workout “stick-to-it-ness” in major ways. So, think about giving one of these or another brand-new exercise a try:
These are by no means the only options. Tap into your creativity and explore any new kind of training that piques your interest. When you change up your fitness routine, you keep it fresh, which keeps your body and mind challenged and your motivation high. Make sure to talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Challenge #2: Create a 10-minute mini-workout to squeeze into your busy day
Finding time for a full 30- to 60-minute workout can be tricky, if not impossible, for many folks. If you’re in that camp, try doing a handful of short, mini workouts throughout the day instead.
Here’s one option: Think of 3 exercises you could cobble together for a 10-minute mini-circuit to do on work breaks or between appointments, chores, or errands. You can choose exercises for an easy, moderate, or super vigorous workout routine—depending on your current fitness levels. Aim for a mix of cardio and strength training exercises. Here are a few 3-step formulas to try. (Or think about creating one of your own):
Easier:
- March/walk in place
- Wall sit
- Modified core plank
Moderately harder:
- Run in place/high knees
- Body weight squats
- Pushups
More vigorous:
- Mountain climbers
- Jumping jacks
- Bear crawls
Set a timer on your smartphone for 10 minutes. Then do each of your 3 chosen exercises for about 30 seconds each, or for a set number of reps. Rinse and repeat until your timer goes off. If you’re not up for a full 10 minutes, set your timer for 3, 5, or 8 minutes instead.
Try to repeat your mini-circuit at different times throughout the day. This is a smart way to squeeze a “full” workout into a busy day. Just make sure to talk with your doctor first if you have any health issues or haven’t been active in a while.
Challenge #3: Tune into your inner child with a classic schoolyard game
Details: Hopscotch. Double Dutch jump rope. Kickball. Tag. Hide and seek. Leapfrog. These kids’ games and many others can take you back to your childhood, when playing and having fun was intuitive. And all the while you were getting your exercise in without even realizing it. What better way to infuse some fun into your workout routine?
So, get together with neighbors, friends, or family for a favorite schoolyard game. Can’t convince others to join you? No problem. Grab a jump rope, roller skates, or a hula hoop for a solo spin. If you have any health issues or haven’t been active in a while, make sure to talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Share your fitness challenge journey with others
Share these fitness challenges and their impact on your workout routine with your friends and family. Invite folks to join you. Or share your experience taking these challenges on our Facebook page. And remember, keep looking for novel ways to spice up your fitness routine. You’ll find that sticking with your workouts becomes a breeze and a joy.
Thanks for reading this article!
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References
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https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-me.htm
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Lakicevic N, Gentile A, Mehrabi S, Cassar S, Parker K, Roklicer R, Bianco A, Drid P (2020, October 15). Make Fitness Fun: Could Novelty Be the Key Determinant for Physical Activity Adherence? Front Psychol;11:577522. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.577522. PMID: 33178079; PMCID: PMC7593334.
Ross, J. (2016, May 26). Are you having fun while you work out? https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/5963/are-you-having-fun-while-you-work-out
This article was written by Gail Olson, edited by Celina Johnson, and clinically reviewed by Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD, MPH, PT, SCS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, CSPS, on April 18, 2025.
