Change Up Your Workouts for Better Fitness
By Paul Rothbart
People tend to like routines. They are familiar and comfortable and you don't have to think too much about them. You kind of go on autopilot. Some routines are beneficial, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Exercising regularly is another example of a helpful routine. However, when it comes to how you actually work out, it can be very beneficial to change things up from time to time. You may reach a higher level of fitness.
It Keeps You Engaged
Doing the exact same exercise routine day after day and week after week can get boring after a while. It's important to be focused to get the most out of exercise. Falling into a familiar and comfortable pattern can ruin that focus. You often find your mind drifting. Perhaps you keep checking the time, waiting for the finish. By changing things up, you have no choice but to focus. You need to think about what you're doing and in what order.
You Can Build Other Muscles
Most exercises will build and tone muscles to some degree. Weight training and calisthenics are great for this, but even running, swimming, and biking will strengthen and tone your body. Doing the same exercises constantly will continue to build the same muscles. By changing them frequently, you will start building other muscles. This leads to a more balanced and better level of fitness. You will also look better too.
It Can Prevent Overuse Injuries
Working the same body parts the same way for long periods is how repetitive stress injuries occur. This can also happen with exercise. Changing your routine gives body parts a break between intense training. You can continually cycle and avoid overusing and possibly injuring various parts of the body.
It Can Help Your Brain
Your brain needs exercise just as much as your body. Doing the same thing over and over can take the brain out of the equation. You don't need to think about things that are ingrained. But if you periodically have to get used to a new way of doing things, your brain will be fully engaged. It will need to focus and thus get the workout it needs. Improving mental and physical health simultaneously is a terrific way to stay fit.
Get Back to Losing Weight
If you are training to lose weight, you may notice that you hit plateaus from time to time. When the body gets accustomed to a physical task, it builds greater efficiency and burns fewer calories. By changing the routine, you challenge your body and it will have to burn more calories to keep up. You can take off the last 10 pounds and reach your goal.
Routines have their place. When it comes to exercise, it's often more beneficial to avoid too much routine. Change things up periodically and enjoy a higher level of fitness.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in North Richland Hills, Tex.