Skip Nav
Love It. Save Your Favorites Now.
What to Do the Next Time Your Workout Is Totally Lagging
How to Fix a Mid-Workout Slump

POPSUGAR / advertiser content from / New Balance

What to Do the Next Time Your Workout Is Totally Lagging

Ever been in the middle of a sweat session and just lost interest? We partnered with New Balance to help you find ways to push through the slump.

You've signed up for TRX and arrived early enough to change and stretch — this almost never happens. But still, even with all of that planning, you've found yourself midclass with little to no energy. Now the internal dialogue starts: you've done enough, you should just go home.

But instead of giving up and bailing on bootcamp, consider these trusted tips that can help you finish.


1 Get enough sleep the night before

Get enough sleep the night before
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

If you can, make sure you get a solid night's sleep the night before a workout. Logging eight hours of shuteye will help you stay energized throughout the following day and, of course, throughout your workout.

1 / 6

2 Crank up that music

Crank up that music
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart

If you're in a self-paced workout, like on the treadmill or just lifting weights in the weight room, a quick way to boost your energy is to change up your playlist. If you've been watching the communal TVs, switch things up and listen to something that will get you moving. A fun running tip is to change up your pacing every time you hear the hook play.

2 / 6

3 Start the positive self-talk

Start the positive self-talk
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart

General malaise can occur for a number of reasons — you could be sick, injured, or just preoccupied with other thoughts — so, if you're doing a self-guided workout, take a time out and head to a mirror for a little positive self-talk. Try to evaluate what's going on, and if you find that you're just bored, give yourself a little pep talk. Whether you want to complete that last mile on the treadmill or finish those last few reps, you'll have a better shot if you take a break and pump yourself up.

3 / 6

4 Eat an energy gel

Eat an energy gel
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart

It's possible that you might just need to refuel and consume some carbohydrates and electrolytes. Take a fast-acting energy gel or chew, like Honey Stinger or Clif Bar Shot Bloks. Both products may take up to 15 minutes or so to fully kick in. If you're in the middle of class, grab one during the first water break so you can wake up before class ends.

4 / 6

5 Focus on your instructor

Focus on your instructor
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kimberly Timlick

If you've had enough sleep, water, and carbs, then you might just be having a hard time staying focused. If you're in class, try to pay attention to your instructor. What are they saying? How does it sound? Is it motivating? Is it making you feel anything? Try to answer all of these questions as it will help your wandering mind stay grounded and present.

5 / 6

More from New Balance

More from New Balance

Be something more with New Balance. Check out the newest Trinamic and Fresh Foam Collections here!

6 / 6
We're Hiring! Write For Us Advertise With Us Accessibility Contact Archives
Power Your Happy
Terms Privacy Policy
©2026 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.