Let’s be honest — even the most dedicated gym-goers hit a wall now and then. You show up, go through the motions, maybe even tick all the boxes… but something just feels off. Less energy. Less progress. Less fun. Below we’ve listed our top 5 signs you need to change your workout routine.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Whether you’re training for performance, general health, or just to feel good, everyone hits a point where their gym routine starts to feel stale. You might be doing all the right things on paper, but if you’re not seeing results or feeling excited to train, it could be time to take a step back and reassess.
Knowing when to mix things up can be tricky — especially if you’re still showing up and putting in the effort. But understanding the signs you need to change your workout routine is key to staying motivated, avoiding burnout, and actually making progress.
The good news? You don’t need to scrap everything. Often, a few smart tweaks are all it takes to reignite your spark, boost your results, and fall back in love with your training.
Here are 5 clear signs you need to change your workout routine — and exactly what to do about it.
Let’s start with the most common sign. You’re hitting the gym, you’re doing your thing… but your strength gains have stalled, your body composition isn’t shifting, and your performance feels flat. This is one of the clearest signs that your body has adapted to your current routine.
Your body is clever. When exposed to the same stress repeatedly, it becomes more efficient and stops needing to change. This is known as adaptation, and while it’s a sign of progress, it also signals that it’s time to level up.
Change your sets/reps/tempo. For example, if you’ve been doing 3×10 forever, mix it up.
Switch training focus. Move from hypertrophy to strength, or sprinkle in some conditioning.
Book a personal training session. A coach can spot gaps and challenge you with new progressions.
In short: If you’re putting in the effort but not seeing results, it’s time to switch things up.
Next up — motivation. Remember when you couldn’t wait for your next session? If that spark has fizzled out, it’s time to take notice.
When workouts become routine and predictable, motivation often drops. And let’s be real — dragging yourself through a session you’re not into isn’t sustainable.
Try something new at The Health Hub. From functional circuits to poolside recovery sessions, we’ve got plenty of ways to mix things up.
Train with a friend. Accountability + banter = more fun.
Sign up for a challenge or event. Nothing boosts motivation like a deadline or goal (Hyrox, anyone?).
When excitement fades, so does effort. Injecting a bit of variety might be all you need to reignite your drive.
Let’s talk about soreness. A little DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) is normal. But if you’re either constantly soreor never feel challenged, something’s not quite right.
Chronic soreness might mean your recovery isn’t on point — or that you’re overtraining the same muscles. On the flip side, no soreness ever could mean you’re not pushing yourself enough, or that your body is no longer responding to the same stimulus.
Take a deload week. Reduce volume or intensity to give your body a breather.
Assess your recovery routine. Are you using our cold water baths or spa for active recovery? Are you sleeping well? Eating enough?
Add variety. Target different movement patterns or muscle groups. Swap machines for free weights. Add in some functional training or Zone 2 cardio.
Balance is key. Your body should feel worked — not wrecked — after a solid training week.
Now let’s get real. We all have off days. But if you’re glancing at the clock every 2 minutes, counting reps like they’re your tax return, and mentally rehearsing your to-do list mid-set… your brain might be telling you something.
Boredom, lack of challenge, or mental fatigue can all lead to disengagement during workouts. If your mind isn’t in it, your body won’t be either.
Change environments. Try an outdoor gym session or train at a different time of day.
Add a fun finisher. EMOMs, AMRAPs, sled pushes, or short metcons can add intensity and variety.
Use a program. Having structure can bring focus and stop you from drifting through your sessions.
When you stop paying attention, your body stops progressing. Find a way to re-engage your mind and muscles.
Finally — the deeper stuff. You started training for a reason — maybe to feel stronger, run faster, reduce stress, or just have more energy for everyday life. If you’ve lost sight of that goal, or never really had a clear one to begin with, it’s easy to go through the motions and feel unmotivated.
Life gets busy, priorities shift, and routines become habits — but not always purposeful ones. Without a “why,” even the best program can feel meaningless.
Reconnect with your goals. Ask yourself: what do you actually want out of your training right now?
Speak to one of our trainers. We can help you reframe your goals and build a plan that matches them.
Set short-term targets. Small wins keep you moving forward and feeling successful.
A strong “why” makes the “how” a whole lot easier. Get clear on your purpose, and the motivation will follow.
If you nodded your way through this post, don’t worry — it doesn’t mean you’re “failing” or doing something wrong. It just means you’re human.
Refreshing your workout routine doesn’t need to be a huge overhaul. In fact, just a few changes can make a world of difference:
A new stimulus
A fresh challenge
A bit of guidance
Or just mixing in something that makes you smile again
At The Health Hub, we’ve got the tools, coaches, classes, and community to help you reignite your routine. Whether it’s trying something new in the gym, hopping into a group class, or building a plan with one of our trainers — we’re here to help you fall back in love with your fitness.
Not sure where to start?
Come chat with one of our trainers or send us a message – we’ll happily give your current routine a quick once-over and help you shake things up (no pressure, no sales pitch – just solid advice).