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Mix Up Your Fitness Routine for a More Productive Workout
We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off, and you just can’t make yourself get out of bed. The thought of the getting on the treadmill before dawn is about as appealing as getting a root canal. If you’re finding your fitness routine is less than inspiring, it may be time to mix it up. A variety of exercises done in different settings will not only keep your mind more engaged, but it will make your workouts more productive.
Here are some tips to help get you motivated:
Shock Your System
Muscle memory is a good thing when you are trying to learn a new skill, but it can be the death of your exercise success. Having the same fitness routine day-in and day-out can cause your body to become unresponsive to the stimuli you are giving it. For the best results, use a rotation of aerobics, weight training, flexibility training and active recovery days to keep your body responsive.
Pump It up
Aerobics can be any activity you enjoy that elevates your heart rate. Mix aerobic activities like running, cycling, swimming and Zumba to keep the routine fresh. For weight training, pick different days of the week to work different parts of the body. Varying the weight used and the number of reps will also keep your body guessing.
Stretch It Out
Flexibility training through various stretching exercises, such as Yoga and Pilates, will help lengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. Yoga has many other benefits as well, such as reducing stress and blood pressure. Both Yoga and Pilates are a form of strength-training, though, so if you do these on a recovery day, go easy.
Cool It Down
Rest and recovery days are just as important as training days. To reap the benefits of exercise, you will be pushing your body to its limits. Rest days give your body a chance to heal. Consider active recovery on your rest day instead of having a day of total inactivity. Active recovery includes gentle motions that will help ease tired and sore muscles.
Change the Scenery
Take advantage of weather and location to mix outdoor adventures into your routine. Try skiing or snowboarding in winter. Break out the road bike in spring while the air is still cool. Get the canoe or kayak out on the lake in summer. Fall is a great time to hike through colorful forests. Not only is getting outdoors good for your body, it’s good for your soul.
Raise the Stakes
Fitness trackers are very popular right now, and they help you connect with others who are working toward similar fitness goals. You can electronically cheer or goad each other on with fitness contests. If you need more than just bragging rights to motivate you, check out DietBet, a website that gives you a chance to bet real money on yourself to achieve your weight loss goals. You put money into a pot, and if you don’t hit your goals, you forfeit the cash. However, if you reach your goals, you win your money back — plus some!
Giving yourself something new and different to look forward to each day will not only inspire you to work out, but it will also make your workouts more effective. So mix it up as much as possible. Get outside when you can. Drag your friends into a fitness competition, and don’t forget to give your body a chance to recover.
Adrienne Erin is a freelance writer and designer who also loves blogging. You can see more of her work by following her on Twitter or visiting her blog, Foodie Fitness.
