I took a spin class last night for the first time in, I don't know, four years. And wow... I am feeling it this morning. (Who can get comfortable on those seats?!) But more than that, it quickly made me realize how important it is to switch up your workouts. I was getting bored with my standard kickboxing/jogging/weight training routine and wanted to add something new. But I never thought it would challenge me the way it did. I was out of breath around song number three, and it didn't help watching the pregnant woman to my right and the 65-year-old man to my left cruising along like it was a leisurely bike ride around the neighborhood.
Einstein once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This certainly applies to your workouts. You'll never break through plateaus or achieve the results you want by sticking to the same routine.
So here are a few suggestions on how to switch it up:
1. If you typically stick to cardio, try incorporating 2-3 days of weight training into your workouts. The more muscle you build, the more fat you'll burn throughout the day by doing nothing at all.
2. If you belong to a gym, take advantage of the variety of classes they offer (kickboxing, spinning, yoga, pilates, step, boot camp, dance, etc.). Try a different one each day to enhance muscle confusion.
3. Change your playlist. Sometimes it's as simple as the music you're listening to that can affect your intensity.
4. Timing is everything. If you're feeling tired and sluggish after work, your workouts will undoubtedly suffer. Try waking up early for a run before work and it'll leave you energized for the rest of the day.
5. Turn it into a game. See how far you can run in five minutes. Or bring a friend along for some friendly competition. The more fun you make it, the easier it will be.
Totally agree! Just recently took a new class at my gym.. that ended with a Britney Spears dance.. taught by her biggest fan, Tom. ; ) I didnt realize all the different muscles I had not tuned into in so long.. felt that workout for days! Thanks Tom.. and Britney!
ReplyDeletegreat advice, hen!
ReplyDeleteJen, you are too funny -- the pregnant woman and the old man-- I usually have the same experience. I haven't attempted a spinning class in about 5 years. Haha.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I told you, but I have been working one night a week at a cool fitness studio up here called Studio Rio, so I can get the free membership. I've been taking all sorts of fun classes that are mostly taught in heels -- go-go classes, hip-hop classes, pole dancing classes, Zumba --- Fun! It's such a surprisingly good workout resulting in sore muscles I never knew I had! Haha. Wish you could take some with me; based on what you've told me about the classes you like to take at your gym, I bet you'd love it! :)
Keri those sound awesome!! I wish they offered classes like that at my gym, but I've heard that "high-heel workouts" are a lot of fun and very good for the legs. Smart idea working there for the free membership too, I did that at a gym at home in high school... so worth it! Hope you're doing well :)
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