Humans are creatures of habit by nature, and all too often we will let ourselves slip into the same old fitness routine day in and day out. The problem with this, is not only are we soon simply ‘going through the motions’ and sometimes zoning out and not putting in the effort we should, but the body actually soon adapts to what we are doing. The body is a sneaky little expert, by finding ways to ‘cheat’ and make things easier on itself.
Stuck in a workout Rut?
If you continue to do the same thing you did years ago, your fitness will stop improving, you will stagnate, and actually start to burn fewer calories.The key to avoid getting stuck in a fitness rut is to change and mix-up your workout. You can keep doing one routine for a period of 4-6 months, but by having a variety of different moves and exercises to choose from, you will not only avoid boredom (and possibly burn-out!) but always keep your body guessing as to what will be coming its way next. Adding new stressors to the body will ensure that you are constantly working different muscle groups, doing so by different angles, and thus keeping your fitness level improving.
Hit the Rut Head-On!
This can be done in a number of ways; choose a different machine or exercise even for the same muscle group when you are doing your weight routine. Do tricep dips one day, tricep kick backs another, and skull crushes a different time. Build a arsenal of different apparatuses that you are familiar with and an array of exercises. There are a plethora of moves to be discovered and will make your routine more effective, leaving you more toned and fit. With your cardio routine, pick different activities: bike, run, stair-climb, play a vigorous game of basketball, or take a new class. Go shorter and faster in one session and longer and steadier another. They say variety is the spice of life, so take than and apply it to your fitness routine!
By: Caitlin Chock, Home Fitness Guru
