“I just want a routine,” or “I want to update my fitness regime,” clients and potential ones often tell me. I secretly cringe at the thought of doing the same routine and regime over and over again for years.
And yet, I hear and see this all the time at the gym, people doing the same exercises that I can predict what they’re going to do. I’m not a fitness psychic, but I know how to spot routine and a regime, usually exercises or an entire program that doesn’t make sense to me and persists for months or years.
I want to politely offer some tips and suggestions. I want to ask, “What is idea behind this exercise? How can you make it more effective? How can you make it more efficient? How can you do appropriate exercises that challenge you without risking bad form or injury? How can you progress yourself to a new exercise and or program?” I wouldn’t ask why questions, because people get defensive with why? “Why have or are you doing the same fitness routine or regime for 3 months or a year?” That question would put me on the defensive with it’s judgemental tone. A possible reply would be, “What’s wrong with my routine, at least I’m working out! That’s more than what your average Joe or Jane are doing!!!”
When it’s fitness you’re talking about, if it’s a routine or a regime, it can’t be a good thing! Your body has become used to it – it’s adapted to whatever you’re doing! You need a new program every month, 6 weeks etc. depending on your goals! You need to switch it up and forget your routine, and quit the regime!
