Like many of you, I love the feeling of mastering a workout routine. However, doing the same activity too often can actually hinder your progress. If you’ve hit a plateau, here are a few ways you can shake things up.
Set goals and keep track
Keep a fitness journal or use our iFit wearables to help monitor your progress so you can push yourself. Write down what you accomplished, then aim to increase your number of reps or weight amount, or you can lessen your rest time between sets. Monitoring your progression will encourage you to keep going.
Switch it up
If you have a routine where you do cardio, then weight training, try doing your weights before your cardio. Simply switching the order of your workouts or exercise movements can make you feel like you have a whole new routine. It’ll also help, because different muscles will be tired when performing the next exercise, making your muscles work harder.
Pump up the music
Music can help you push yourself during a workout. Songs with 120-140 bpm will help pump you up and keep up the tempo of your workout. It can also help to lessen your perception of fatigue, so you can push yourself a little harder.
Use the buddy system
Having a workout partner will not only make you commit to working out more, but it can also help you get through a workout plateau. Often, workout partners enjoy different types of workouts, so take turns devising workouts to keep your body guessing.
Crosstrain
Two to three times a week, try a completely different activity. This’ll help keep your body guessing. Try rock climbing, dancing, swimming, hiking, or try out a new exercise class. Even going to the same type of class with a different instructor can challenge you in different ways.
Get competitive
There’s nothing more motivating than paying to enter a physically demanding event, then training for it. You’ll get a huge feeling of accomplishment when you’re completing it! Challenge yourself and sign up for a marathon or a cycling race to keep you pushing yourself.
If you do the same activity too often, your body will adapt and your progression will come to a halt. Try out a few of these tips to shake up your routine, and you’ll have an easier time getting in shape!
Michelle Alley
iFit Nutritionist
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
