Keep Freshness and Fun In Your Workouts!
By Ike Pethtel on April 17, 2011
A little while back I posted about how “consistency” is the key for being successful with your health and wellness prescription. I still strongly believe in this philosophy however, staying consistent can be easier said than done.
That being said, there are a couple of really good ways to overcome this obstacle: “KEEP FRESHNESS AND FUN IN YOUR WORKOUTS!” These factors keep you motivated and prevent boredom. Every time you go to the gym for your workout, do it a little differently. For example: do free weights only, do machines only, do a combo of free weights and machines, do upper body only, lower body only or alternate upper/lower. Another fresh approach is cross training by alternating a cardio segment between each muscle group worked. You get the idea……..never do the same workout back-to-back. Trust me, I’ve been doing this for years and by keeping this varied approach, I still look forward to my time in the gym. An additonal benefit for working out this way is that you get results quicker due to your muscles always being challenged and therefore, working harder to complete your routine.
The second factor to help you stay consistent is the “Fun Factor.” Think about it, if you plan an exercise precription doing things you enjoy doing, you’re more likely to stick with it…..hence, become consistent. Free weights and machines are not your only options. Some options could be: swimming, biking, hiking, walking, a favorite sport, etc. or, choose from the multitude of group exercise classes available at your gym (I guarantee you will find one you enjoy).
There is no rule of wellness that states you have to be miserable to have an effective routine….do whatever it takes make each exercise experience something you look forward to doing and completing. If you make a conscious effort to incorporate ” freshness and fun” into each trip to the gym, more times than not it will be a win/win endeavor!
Live Healthy….Beginning Today!
Category: Personal Training
