Posted on: September 27, 2007
Switch Hitters
Avoid exercise burnout by trying new workouts to keep it exciting and get faster results
By Mary Fons
CTW Features
People that have a workout routine know the health benefits of regular exercise are innumerable, and getting started can often be the hardest part. But after the routine is in place, sometimes the best way to meet fitness goals is to get rid of that routine altogether.
Since 1992, Dr. John Spencer Ellis has been a fitness and lifestyle spokesperson and personality for video, TV and the Web. Ellis says that changing up a workout regimen is key for optimal performance. “Muscles need to be stimulated in a new way so that they continue to improve, respond, grow, strengthen and remain pliable,” he says. As soon as you’re in the groove of a workout, he advises, change it. “When you adapt, you must soon look to challenge that adaptation once again.”
For example, if you’ve been logging hour after hour on the treadmill but haven’t seen much progress toward your weight loss or body shaping goals, it’s time to step off. Instead of peeking in the windows of the classrooms at the gym, why not take one of the classes yourself? From power yoga to crazy offerings like those “burn calories like a stripper” classes; from spinning to trainer-led half-hour abs workouts, there’s sure to be something that piques your interest and torches calories in a new, effective way.
“[These] systems stimulate the body in a variety of ways which reduces boredom and creates a fun and balanced workout,” says Ellis. “In return, fitness progression is guaranteed.”
And if group athletics really isn’t your thing, that’s okay: simply trading out one piece of equipment or activity or altering the duration of your regimen can have a similar effect. Rebecca Smith, Chicago, a full time Columbia College student and a self-professed “gym rat” says, “When I get sick of the elliptical trainer, I switch to the rowing machine for awhile. I usually feel like I get a better workout, and whenever I’m tired of cardio, period, I lift weights.” She adds that for her, it can be scary to abandon a routine that has given good results.
“You want to stick with what works,” she says. “But in the end, what ‘works’ is constantly changing.”
So how often should you change? That depends on the person, but there are general guidelines. “In general,” Ellis says, “change your routine about every 4 - 6 weeks. However, there are always exceptions.”
Ellis says whenever you start a new fitness program you should seek the advice of a professional (that could be a trainer, a doctor or a qualified nutritionist) to make sure the routine is right for you.
