It actually kind of shocks me how many people are so married to their routines that they wouldn’t change a single second of it. Alright, I can understand certain mental profiles are most comfortable with very rigid, very meticulous and disciplined lifestyles. I, for one, can’t relate to this mindset (frankly, I hate living on schedules in general), but everyone is different.
That’s not the problem, as people who are wired that way mostly perform well under these conditions (except when things stop working – we’ll get to that). The real problem is that the majority of people don’t work that well under such a rigid lifestyle. This can be really problematic when you’re trying to pursue fitness.
Let’s be honest, before we got into a good “routine,” most of us had a lot of false starts with an advanced fitness life. We get bored with the routine; we just can’t face the impending “now I have to get up early and go through these motions again. And again.” It can really kill our drive. Unfortunately, people have this unfounded notion that only strict scheduled routines are effective and that our bodies won’t get into shape if it’s not predictable.
There are a host of reasons why being too rigid with your workout routines can be a bad idea. Before I get into this at greater length, let me say that adhering to the same basic health habits, something of at least a schedule, and targeting the same fitness aspects with your exercises is generally a good idea.
Today, we’re going to talk a little bit about the reasons you may need to change your workout routines, and ways to go about it without defeating the purpose. This sounds perhaps a bit complicated, but it’s pretty cut and dry for the most part. Though I do want to say that if you’re unsure about your practices, it’s always best to talk to your physician and your personal fitness expert. Everyone is different on a physical and a psychological level, and knowing that, specific advice to match your profile will always serve you best. That said, consider this as just an introductory guide to the concept, some knowledge to carry with you when you consult with these educated experts about your specific needs.
Why Might You Need a Change
There are five basic reasons to change your workout routines. There can be others, but these are the five most common and most frequent reasons. The first one is the most simple – you get bored. Exercise isn’t everyone’s version of fun, but exercises that you don’t hate to do will make you more motivated and likely to continue training. This is why sports, jogging, or cycling in places you find engaging, working out with friends, or pursuing other hobbies that promote balanced activity are so important.
If you’ve grown utterly tired of your workout, to where you’re resentfully going through the motions, you run the risk of slipping. You also, while providing a decent physical workout, aren’t tending to the health of your mind and your soul. These, as we’ve discussed in the past, are just as crucial to being a complete and healthy person.
The second big reason is that it stops working. Sometimes your current routine outstays its usefulness. Increasing its intensity or its duration can work, but there are limits there. Just as you get bored mentally without any challenges, your body does this too. This is one where talking to your physician and fitness expert is very important. They can very accurately provide you with suggested changes that best fit your goals, where you are now, and match your specific physical and emotional needs.
The third reason is when your goals change. This can happen. Perhaps you’ve decided you want to achieve higher goals than you initially did. This may need broad, sweeping changes to your routine, though slowly introducing them will be the best way. Warm-up to it, don’t jump into the deep end, unsure of your ability to swim, as it were.
The fourth reason is just an eventuality or inevitability for everyone – as you get older, your body changes. As you age, your workout may need to change too. At this point, you have to reevaluate your fitness routines and your dieting habits.
Finally, you may find that your current routine isn’t sufficient for your present goals, or is causing you some pain or ongoing trouble. If you’re having problems, such as your workout causing you pain, then you definitely need to reevaluate your routine. It’s always a good idea to consult with a physician and a fitness professional when doing so.
How to Change?
I won’t spend a lot of time on this, because contrary to what other articles may say, there’s no one flat answer to this. It depends. If you’re bored, try finding equivalent things that interest you, but that aren’t so repetitive. If it’s to meet new goals, well, talk to your fitness professional about how to achieve them. If it’s because it stops working, see the previous. For advancing age, talk to your active friends, and see what classes and activities they pursue.
A Word on Variety
If you’re bodybuilding, you’re going to be stuck in something of a set of routine due to the precision and intensity needed. However, for just general fitness, a more cyclical, broad-sweeping routine is best.
I would recommend this for most people, because variety is, as they say, the spice of life. This is something of a personal preference based on your biology, your interests, and your own psychological makeup. To learn about the variety of healthy pursuits that can make this happen, follow us on Facebook today!
The post When And Why Should I Change My Workout Routine? appeared first on Gaspari Nutrition.