Summer is the perfect time to try something new to spice up your fitness program. This suggestion includes your cardio, strength and flexibility program. Don’t get too comfortable with your exercise plans. You should change them on a monthly basis to prevent boredom, burnout, injury, overuse and plateaus.
People often get stuck doing too much of the same thing. They believe that being locked into a routine is doing them a world of good. It isn’t doing harm, I tell them. I simply caution them against using the same exercises over and over again. For example, a strength training program should include a variety of exercises that vary according to your goals and needs. For example, instead of always doing chest presses on a bench with weights, do some push ups, or standing presses with resistance bands. You want to work you body in different ways and use a variety of equipment to challenge you even more.
The same idea applies to cardio – switch it up. If you always run at a steady state for 40 minutes, three times a week, try doing intervals to boost endurance and stamina. Bike to cross train. Learn a new sport for the fun of it.
Bottom line – Switch it Up! Of course you should keep stretching on a daily basis to keep your mind and body flexible.
