We all have comfort zones, whether it be at home, work, the gym, or even on vacation. No doubt you’ve heard that “the magic happens outside of your comfort zone,” but what exactly is a fitness comfort zone and just how do you get outside of it?
What is a fitness comfort zone?
A comfort zone is defined as a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease without stress. When relating to fitness, that means following a habitual pattern day in and day out because it’s comfortable. It means finding exercises or classes that you love and repeating them over and over again because, well, you love them.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with finding workouts and exercises that you love and sticking with them! That said, once in awhile it’s great to step outside of your fitness comfort zone to try something different. Not only will it help you spice up your routine, it could also help you break a fitness plateau, jack up your motivation, or even help you learn something about yourself you never thought possible.
How to break out of your comfort zone.
Getting outside of your fitness comfort zone is all about experiencing new things. Have you ever been curious about a KettleWorx class? Ever walked by the room where the Barre30 class is happening and think, “I could never do that…” Well, dear friend, there’s no time like the present to give it a go!
Don’t fear the idea of being uncomfortable.
If the idea of change is holding you back, or a fear of not having enough coordination or strength, or whatever your inner reasoning may be, just go for it. Step past whatever is holding you back, step outside of your regular routine—your comfort zone—and sign up for the class. You never know, you might love it and wonder why it took you so long to try it.
And if it turns out not to be your thing, that’s okay too. You tried it. You dared to do something out of the ordinary. That is exactly what breaking the barriers of your fitness comfort zone is about.
Increase your intensity.
Another way to step outside of your fitness comfort zone is to kick your workouts up a notch. Do you always do 15 reps with a 10 lb dumbbell? Have you ever taken advantage of the incline function on the treadmill? Tried any of the pre-set elliptical challenges? Ever done a virtual course on the stationary bike? Accepted a challenge from a fellow gym mate? These are all things that would mix up your routine and push you. You never know, taking things to the next level just might help you see where your potential really lies.
Taking risks is what helps us grow, and it is important for both personal and physical growth.
Now, take a moment to find your comfort zone.
Got it? Great. Now leave it!
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