Changing Up Your Workout

If you are interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, your doctor has probably told you the importance of keeping up with an exercise regimen. Most health experts agree that a person needs 20-30 minutes of cardio, three to five times per week, as well as strength training twice a week. While it is good to get on a regular schedule, changing up your workout can actually help your body and keep you interested in your exercise.

One major complaint of people who are trying to lose weight is that they hit a plateau. This can be very discouraging. Even for those who are not trying to lose weight, it is easy for the body to get used to a workout program, and you cease to see the results of working out. Therefore, although developing an exercise routine can be helpful for making sure that you do your required amount of cardio and weight training each week, it can also lose its potency as you continue with the program.

A great way to add some variety to your workouts can be instituting interval training. If you are an avid jogger or walker, this is any easy way to change up your routine without giving up the joy that you get from your chosen form of cardio. Interval training has actually been proven to be more beneficial for your body anyway. With this type of workout a person varies the intensity of their exercise. For example, you can warm up with a five minute walk, then jog two minutes, then sprint for one. You can repeat the jog-sprint cycle for as many times as you want, then cool down with another five minute walk. This forces your heart to change its rate according to your intensity level.

If you are bored with your chosen type of workout, there are a number of ways that you can exercise your body while still having fun. Taking fitness classes can take the pressure off of you in making up your own program. You can try kickboxing, boxing, yoga, Pilates, etc. Many people have found that having a director or personal trainer helps with devising new ways to keep you strong and in shape.

Lastly, picking up new skills and hobbies can also be joined with new forms of exercise. If you live near a lake or another body of water, you should consider learning how to waterski or wakeboard, both of which are good core, leg, and back workouts. For those of us not near the water, taking up cycling or rollerblading are other ways that we can not only learn a new skill but also work your heart.

Sometimes, it can be helpful to look online for exercise and healthy living tips.

For more information on workout ideas as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, check out the healthdirectoryforyou.com Health Directory today.

Joseph Devine