Mix up your workouts!!

Chandi Schwab
The change in the seasons is the perfect time to get out of a workout rut and explore new and exciting fitness routines. I'll be the first to admit that I have my favorite routines when I need to break a sweat,running is definately at the top, but I've learned that stepping outside of my comfort zone always proves to be beneficial.

If a regular workout routine works for you, why should you change up your fitness style? Here's why it's important to mix it up every now and then.

1.You don't want to plateau. Adding variety to your workouts will keep your exercises from becoming ineffective. If you run at the same speed on the treadmill everyday for 20 minutes, your body will eventually hit a plateau. You will still be burning calories, but you'll need to increase your resistance levels or speed if you want to really maximize results. This is why personal trainers always push their clients to do more reps each workout session, because it helps boost their metabolism and as your strength and endurance grows, so should your workout.

2.Your body needs time to repair itself. A friend of mine has the best workout routine: Mondays and Wednesdays she goes to yoga and Tuesdays and Thursdays she runs five miles. Because running can be hard on her body, she gives herself a day or two in between to recuperate. If you do the same intense workout each day, you won't be giving certain muscle groups enough time to heal between each workout, and you increase your chances of being injured. If you do do the same thing every day such as run be sure to put recovery runs in between any hard training days. Just make sure you have low-intensity workout days between your intense workouts to prevent your body from becoming overtrained.

3.Burnout prevention. The last thing you want is to get bored with something because you do it so much. Maybe you loved biking as a kid but now it only reminds you of your loathed spinning class? Here's the thing: if you keep doing the same workout routine each day and your results start dropping, you're more likely to get bored and give up on your fitness goals. To prevent this from happening, always keep your workout schedule mixed up so things don't become repetitive and boring.

I went to a Power pump class today for the first time and I thought I was going to pass out it was so hard for me. I could only do about 75% of what the instructor did and was giving it my all. Even if you are in pretty good shape, mixing up your workout can keep things challenging. Maybe there is a class or a sport that you have been wanting to try but you haven't had the guts to start, or you are just so comfortable in your normal routine, go out and do it!You will be happy you did!:)