| Search Sensei Talks |
|
|
| Labels |
|
|
|
| Friday, May 15, 2009 |
| Is Your Workout Still Working? |
So you started working out and have been sticking to it for months now. You’ve probably lost some weight and toned up your muscles. Congratulations! However, it’s hard to keep the same enthusiasm for working out after a while. You may find it harder and harder to make it to the gym or go for a run. You might be coming up with hundreds of reasons why you can’t workout. You might even start choosing naps or couch time over a workout. If this is the case, you probably missed the early warning signs telling you that it’s time to change up your workout. The signs may be subtle, but they can stop your good intentions and efforts in their tracks.
One sign that you need to change your workout is if you stop seeing results. If you notice a plateau in your weight loss or strength gains, it’s probably time for a change. You don’t need to change your entire workout, just change something about your workout. For example, if you always walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes at 4 miles per hour, you can increase your time to one hour, increase your speed to 4.5 miles per hour or you can even add an incline to your walk. Any small change should help get you over your plateau.
Another sign could be if your workout is not challenging anymore. If your workout seems easy and you breeze through it every time, you definitely need a change. Your workout should leave you feeling as if you actually worked out! If you can read a magazine during the workout that used to have you huffing and puffing, make a change.
A third sign to look for is if you start feeling more and more tired after your workouts. Your workout should leave you invigorated and energized. If you are feeling exhausted, you might be overtraining. If this happens, take a break from working out for 5 days to a week. When you no longer feel sore or tired, start working out again, but make some changes to your routine. For example, instead of lifting the same heavy weights each workout, try a body toning class that incorporates lighter weights, bands, balls, etc. The change will be great for your body.
Lastly, if you just can’t bring yourself to workout anymore, you are probably bored by your routine. Don’t stop exercising because your workout is boring. Change your routine to make it more fun and interesting. You can try different classes, purchase some DVD’s or check out some websites for new exercises. I always find great new exercises at the Shape Magazine website. Keep making changes every month or two if you tend to get bored easily.
It’s very easy to continue to do the same workout every day or every week for months and months. Be on the lookout for signs that your workout needs a change. Don’t wait until it is too late and you have already stopped working out. Even a small change can keep your workout fun and interesting and keep you on the right track.
- Jennifer
Labels: Exercise, Fitness, Jennifer, Physical Activity
|
posted by My Sensei @ Friday, May 15, 2009   |
|
-->
add to del.icio.us
|
|
| 1 Comments: |
-
I change up my routine all the time & love that. It is really important now with my age & slowing hormones but good thing I learned to do this a while back! People really need to understand how important change is.... great info again!
|
| |
| << Home |
| |
|
|
|
|
I change up my routine all the time & love that. It is really important now with my age & slowing hormones but good thing I learned to do this a while back! People really need to understand how important change is.... great info again!