Doing the Same Workout All the Time? Why You Should Shake Things Up
| 3 min read
Working out regularly is important for your overall health and well-being, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut if you keep doing the same routine every time. By choosing to do one activity, whether it’s biking, walking or yoga, you’re actually doing your body a disservice.
Studies show that challenging your body with new movements is key to maximizing benefits and seeing results. In other words, when workouts get repetitive, your body gets really efficient at them and stops burning as many calories. Plus, you might start to feel a little bored with the same old routine, meaning it becomes harder to motivate yourself.
Ready to break out of your rut? Here’s how to mix new workouts into your stale regimen and shake up the activities you already do:
- Try a new class. It can be hard to come up with an idea for a new workout on your own, so let an instructor do it for you by taking a workout class you’ve never tried before. Zumba, spinning, kickboxing and yoga can be found at gyms around the state—just take a look at the class schedule and pick one. You’ll also be motivated to push yourself harder in a group setting than if you were exercising on your own.
- Pump up the jams. Research has shown that the faster the beat, the more intense the workout. If you’re trying something new, make sure you have a good playlist ready. The tunes you play can help you power through the workout and help you enjoy it more.
- Add bursts. If you’re used to moving at the same steady pace all the time, try adding 30- to 60-second intervals where you go faster. If you’re walking, break into a jog for these bursts; if you’re a jogger, break into a faster run. Even if you’re still doing the same activity you’ve always done, the intervals will keep your body challenged, increasing stamina and burning more calories.
- Get outside. Even if you’re not a typical outdoor exerciser, taking your cardio outdoors is a great way to stay inspired and add a few challenges along the way. Not only will you have new things to look at, but you’ll engage more muscles navigating uneven terrain and get mood-boosting vitamin D.
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Photo Credit: CherryPoint
