Why You Should Mix Up Your Fitness Routine

Let’s pretend your favorite meal in the entire world is minestrone soup chock-full of vegetables. It’s hearty, tasty, and nutritious. If you eat a bowl of minestrone soup every single day for a long time, your taste buds and body will eventually get bored of it. At that point, it’s time to mix it up. As they say, variety is the spice of life.

Performing the same exercises day after day is the same way. Your body adapts to the routine and you eventually become bored. This can make you feel unmotivated to workout, and you may even experience a decline of progress (a.k.a. plateau), since your body is no longer challenged by the exercises you’ve become accustomed to.

Plus, different workouts have different benefits: strength training for muscle growth, yoga for mental health and flexibility, cardio for heart health, and so on.

When it comes to staying active, you’re only limited by your imagination (and equipment, of course). You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to exercise regularly, but it can help. Here are some easy ways to get excited about a new form of exercise so you never feel bored and unmotivated.

Play a New Sport

Think of how many different types of sports there are. If you rotate through your favorite sports and incorporate some new ones, you would never get bored. You can also try seasonal sports. For example, give snowboarding or ice skating a try in the winter. During the summer, you may feel inclined to try out volleyball and tennis. Playing sports is a great way to get your heart rate up, learn a new skill, and bond with the people playing with you. Plus, sports can be very entertaining, so it won’t feel like you’re even exercising.

Experiment with Videos and Streaming Platforms

Thanks to the internet, there is an unlimited amount of workout routines available at your fingertips. Personal trainers and fitness experts are constantly adding new exercises to their websites, streaming platforms, and social media profiles. Do a little digging and find some routines that really pique your interest. For example, have you ever tried a tae bo workout? What about dance workouts?

Invest in New Equipment

Getting a new piece of workout equipment is like getting a shiny new toy. You just can’t wait to try it out. Just looking at it makes you feel motivated. If you’re stuck in a rut or feel like you’ve hit a plateau, wander down the fitness equipment aisle. Perhaps now is the time to invest in a resistance band, stability ball, or yoga block.

Exercise with a Partner

Group exercise has a variety of benefits that go beyond the physical aspects. This is a great opportunity to bond with the people around you. Even if it’s simply taking a walk together or playing catch in the backyard, group exercise is a great way to pass the time and strengthen your relationships. Plus, time flies when you exercise with a partner or group.

Mixing up your workout routine doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. It simply means incorporating new ways to stay active once or twice a week. You might even learn something new while you’re at it.