How I Got Out of a Workout Slump and Made It Fun Again

Since my second year of university, fitness has been a grounding part of my routine. A few years ago, going to the gym gave me a genuine sense of joy. It helped me feel strong, clear-minded, and most importantly, healthy. I loved the structure, the discipline, and the way it gave me space to check in with myself, even on the busiest days. But over a year ago, something shifted. The gym, once my happy place, started to feel more like an obligation. It no longer brought the same spark. Slowly, I noticed myself disengaging, cutting sessions short, skipping workouts, and losing motivation altogether. Eventually, I took a full step back and entered my “lazy girl era.” Two full months of movement on pause. And while I don’t regret giving myself that break, I did start to miss how I felt when I was active, energized, and more connected to my body. That’s when I realized it wasn’t about what I was doing. It was about how it made me feel. And it wasn't that I needed more discipline, but rather I needed a change of pace.

A New Way to Move: Enter ClassPass

In May of last year, I was living in Calgary for a summer internship when I discovered ClassPass, and honestly, it was the perfect timing. Living alone in a new city, I suddenly had way too much free time, which could’ve turned into another lazy four-month stretch on my couch. For those who haven’t heard of it, ClassPass is a subscription-based app where you buy a set number of monthly credits, and then use those credits to book workout classes at different studios in your city. Personally, I find the variety on the app to be amazing: pilates, spin, yoga, barre, boxing, strength training, dance, you name it, it probably has it. Each class costs a different number of credits, and you get to choose what works for your schedule, mood, and energy levels. The best part? ClassPass is available in so many cities, Calgary, Vancouver, and now Ann Arbor, which meant that even as I moved between school, internships, and new cities, I didn’t have to completely rebuild my routine from scratch. I just opened the app, explored local studios, and booked what excited me that week. Beyond the physical benefits, ClassPass gave me something I didn’t realize I needed: a new way to spend time with people I care about. It turned movement into memories, struggling through new classes together, trying something completely different, and motivating each other along the way.

Making Fitness Something I Look Forward To

Sooooo what started as a way to shake things up soon became the foundation of a consistent and exciting fitness routine. These days, I mix in weekly ClassPass classes, outdoor runs, and daily walks, depending on how I’m feeling. One day it’s a slow flow yoga class, the next it’s an intense spin session with flashing lights and music that pumps me up. And the difference? I actually look forward to working out again. My routine no longer feels rigid or forced, it feels flexible, intuitive, and enjoyable.

The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned

• There’s no single “right” way to be healthy.What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is tuning into your own body and lifestyle.

• You’re allowed to outgrow old routines. Just because something served you once doesn’t mean it still does. Growth means being open to change.

• Discipline isn’t always the answer, excitement is.The more you enjoy your workouts, the more likely you are to stay consistent. Joy fuels commitment.

• Flexibility leads to sustainability.When your routine can adapt to your mood, schedule, or city, it becomes easier to maintain in the long run.

• Movement should feel like self-care, not punishment.You don’t need to “earn” your rest or force intensity every time. Gentle movement counts too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re currently in a workout slump, I get it. I've been there. And I promise, it's not forever. You don’t need to start over, you just need to shift your approach. Try something new. Give yourself permission to move differently. Your body will thank you, and so will your mind. You deserve a routine that feels good, not one that drains you. And sometimes, the first step to getting back into it… is simply allowing yourself to enjoy it again.