The Benefits of Mixing Up Your Workout

by She FIt on July 24, 2010

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Day in and Day out I had my set workout routine. Wake up and head straight to the gym. I had my own elliptical… or so I like to THINK that it was mine! The first ellitpical over from the right of the treadmills. Everyday but Sunday I religiously rode that thing for 45-60 minutes. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I added on 20 minutes of a full body weight lifting routine. . . the same weight lifting routine every time. After a while I noticed that my body started to platue. I wasn’t going anywhere in my workouts and getting so frustrated for not seeing my exercise pay off. It was then that I learned the importance of mixing up my workout.

Why is mixing up a workout / exercise routine so vital?

Mixing up a workout can prevent boredom and burn out. For years I had confined my cardio workouts / exercise to the elliptical. I had missed out on the fun that could have been put into my workout for so many years, like hiking, swimming, dancing, circuit training, kick boxing, and bike riding. Boredom from a workout can easily lead to burn out and eventually lead to becoming a couch potato!

Second, mixing up one’s exercise routine can prevent hitting a plateau in workout performance and ultimately and decrease in training results. The body’s physiology systems, such as the cardiovascular system, adapts to a workout within 6-8 weeks. Keeping the same workout routine will ultimately lead you to a dead end if you don’t increase the intensity or mix up your workout to shock your body of the mundane workout routine. Mixing up your workout plan will speed up the weight loss process and shred inches on the waistline.

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Ways to increase the intensity of your workout can include anything from short bursts of sprints during a jog to walking up hills during a brisk walk. One can also throw in different types of workouts such as swimming one day and biking the next.

There are so many different options to a workout without plateauing or boredom! So go out there and have some fun!

Question

What do you do to prevent boredom in your workouts?

What’s your favorite workout routine?

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{ 13 comments }

Alissa July 24, 2010 at 12:27 pm: I run 3 days a week and use the other 2 days to do something different. It’s different every week and I find that it keeps me from getting bored. I do Pilates, bike, or even just go for a walk. The possibilities are endless.
Andrea@WellnessNotes July 24, 2010 at 2:19 pm: I try to mix things up, but sometimes it’s hard… I added Pilates and yoga back into my routine, and I’m also swimming and hiking. My “standard” workout is the elliptical or the stairclimber at the gym plus weights. My favorite workout are challenging, very hilly hikes with a great view…

Have a great weekend!
Kaz July 24, 2010 at 5:52 pm: I guess the thing that keeps me from getting bored is having no “routine”. I just stay active for the fun of it. =)
GiGi July 24, 2010 at 7:27 pm: Ha Ha! You and I are one in the same! I do have my “own” elliptical on the gym… in fact people actually watch it for me! And really NO ONE gets on it because they KNOW I will be coming! It’s great, ha ha ha! Although these past two weeks I have been getting a bit bored/tired of the same-old same-old… to the point that my motivation is lagging. Good thing I have all the willpower in the world, that no matter what I will go to the gym, it will just be REALLY hard.

Lately I have been using the step mill, which is great, definitely gets my booty sore… and I certainly drip with sweat (the elliptical does that too though)… but regardless I will always go to my elliptical for a little bit!

Oh and I do lift my weights which help break up the routine! Plus my trainer and I like to screw around so it’s fun!
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self July 25, 2010 at 4:13 am: Whenever I need to mix it up I try taking a new class at the gym. It definitely keeps me from getting bored in my routine!
caronae July 25, 2010 at 7:40 am: Oh goodness, I love this post. So true. I try to mix things up with exercise classes, tons of different types of cardio, and different strength moves. When I go to the gym for weights, I do whatever moves I feel like doing that day. I never follow a plan! And it works out beautifully every time!
FoodFitnessFreshair July 25, 2010 at 7:47 am: I think mixing it up is definitely key. I used to run everyday and it got to the point where I started dreading running. I took some time off running and experimented with other activities, like yoga. Today, I am a yoga teacher who loves doing anything as long as it’s outside. My favorites are running + yoga, swimming, and hiking!
Angela (the diet book junkie) July 25, 2010 at 9:07 pm: i just found your blog and think it looks awesome! i definitely need to switch up my exercise routine, not that it’s boring, but because of the whole stuck at a plateau thing. (mind you, training for my first half marathon should help ) looking forward to reading more
kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com July 26, 2010 at 8:44 am: I AGREE! i love mixing it up and im still finding new things to love even if im hesitant or think “hmm nah, i dont think i will like tennis” .. and then i go try it and i end up loving it!! right now im alternating between walking, running, yoga, hiking and biking.. wanna try boxing actually.. hmm im thinking it would be a hoot!

xoxo
Kristen (swanky dietitian) July 26, 2010 at 9:48 am: I am going through this right now. I have been stuck on spin and body pump so last week I changed it up and went to a bootcamp class. Like you mentioned, it is so nice to change up your routine. I also was sore for days which was a nice feeling!
Cammy@TippyToeDiet July 26, 2010 at 7:15 pm: I mix things up constantly, from the equipment I use to the reps, to the weights, etc. I also mix up my cardio. Whether I’m biking or walking, I vary the routes and pace and time spent. Sometimes I’ll even split up the workout and have a break in between. It keeps me interesting and keeps the weight off, if nothing else.
Jennifer July 27, 2010 at 4:50 am: Yup I totally agree, mix it up! I usually don’t have a problem with getting bored because my gym offers the best classes and the instructors are always changing up our workout. I go to 3 classes a week and do running and biking on my own.
Stacey August 9, 2010 at 9:47 am: Thanks for visiting my blog and it looks like you indeed get your workout in even though it is not running! Continue to stay healthy!