We are creatures of habit. Most people hate change. There is always an uproar when change comes around. Remember, the stir that was caused when that new Coke formula was introduced? But, when it comes to your health, changing your exercise program is a good thing. In fact, it is necessary for your body to see the gains it needs on a regular basis. That is why with our 13 week program, we are always changing something every 2 or 3 weeks - whether it be an exercise, a set, the number of repetitions.
If you are exercising on your own, here are some valuable clues that it might be time to change your exercise routine.
1. If you are feeling unusually tired. This is your body's way of saying you might need to change your routine. A lot of times, it is an indication that you are overtraining your body. When that happens, change is in order.
2. If your muscles are sore more than usual. When you first start a workout routine, it is normal that your muscles become sore. Exercise breaks down your muscles and then repairs them. That is how your muscles grow. So when you first start, you are obviously sore, because they haven't been broken down in awhile. But, once you get in a consistent routine, the soreness goes away, unless you change it up. But, if you haven't been changing it up, doing nothing out of the ordinary, and you are getting sore, once again, you might be overtraining and changing your routine would be very welcome.
3. If you can read just fine while you are exercising. Exercise is all about intensity if you want to see the results that I frequently hear from my clients. That being said, I will see individuals read thick novels while they are doing cardio. The only equipment I could try to read on would be a recumbent bike and even that gets tough. So, if you are reading while you are exercising, that is fine, but understand it is going to take longer to accomplish the results you desire.
4. If you aren't sweating during your workout. There are some gyms that control the temperature in their facility so that an individual doesn't show any sweat during the workout. But, most of us don't train in those environments. I had an aunt who said she did an hour of cardio daily, but never sweat. I hate to break it to you, but sweating is one way of showing your intensity. Even if you don't sweat that much, you should be breaking a little sweat during your workouts. If not, then I would question the intensity level, which could prolong your results.
5. If you aren't lifting weights. Weightlifting is essential no matter what your goals are - gain mass, lose weight, maintain a healthy lifestyle. I see a lot of people looking for weight loss who just do cardio. That is great! It helps the heart and lungs, but you need to strength train. As one researcher said it to me, cardio will help you live a long life, but strength training will help you ENJOY those years of living.
6. If you have been on an exercise routine for a long time and seen no physical changes that YOU like. Exercise works no matter what your goals. I know it does and I have seen it work. If you haven't seen the physical transformation that you have been desiring, then maybe it is time to change your workout program. It isn't your fault, you were just given some bad information. I see people doing the same workout, day in and day out, year in and year out. If they are happy, great, but if you aren't then change it up.
This would be the perfect time of year to recharge your workout program. Take this opportunity to redesign your exercise program so that 2010 will be your best year yet.
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