Avoid the workout rut

Whether you're bored, have lost motivation or (gasp!) stopped seeing them gains, there are ways to inject new life into your exercise routine

- ANDREA ROBERTSON

We get it the middle of the year is an awkward time to keep up with your workout routine. You're tired (it's been a long year). You're demotivated (beachside cocktails sound way more appealing, right?). You have a million things going on (family gatherings, mid-year workload, life admin). But if you find that you'd rather be doing anything other than working out, you may just need a routine overhaul. Here are the top rut-busting workout strategies to avoid having to start your fitness goals from square one, and stick to building your summer body in winter.

Get a workout buddy

Ever heard of the Köhler motivation-gain effect? In the 1920s, German industrial psychologist Otto Köhler discovered that exercising in a group not only upped an individual's motivation to exercise, but also increased their maximum output - and countless studies since have backed his findings.

Knowing that others are depending on you, as well as not wanting to be the weakest in the group, boosts your performance and motivation to go harder for longer. Whether it's a friend, partner or a new friend you met at the gym, set a goal together and help each other achieve it. You'll see how much easier it is to get off the couch and head to the gym when you know someone is there waiting for you.

Set goals. Smash them