How to Mix Up Your Exercise Routine

Do you know your fitness personality? There are five primary fitness personalities and are categorized by shapes – square, circle, rectangle, triangle and squigglies. Of these fitness personalities, the square is the most reliable and consistent but the most routine (pardon the pun). If you are a square, and I don’t mean a geek – I mean your fitness personality, then you tend to keep to the same exercise routine each day, week and over the months. This is okay as you tend to stick to your routine, but once you hit a weight loss plateau, this routine needs to be shaken up and changed. Here are some steps you can use to mix it up.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Throw it out! Throw out the schedule and think outside the box (or in your case, the square). Try winging it with your exercises doing them when the moment strikes. Don’t think too much but rather just do it.

2. Get outside! Sure the treadmill is right there and very convenient, but you’ve been walking or jogging at the same pace at the same time each day. Instead, take it outside and change it up. Without the monitors on the treadmill your speed will not be predicted and the duration can be more flexible.

3. Pump It Up! If your strength training has consisted of only resistance bands or dumbbell weights, then it’s time to pump some iron. Go to the gym and use some of the machines to really add some resistance to your training.

4. Step on It! Really get moving with some interval training. This high intense aerobics workout will really make you sweat and mix it up. High intense interval training, or HIIT, adds short spurts of sprinting or running to really get the blood pumping.

5. Make it Fun! If your routine has only included structured exercises, then now’s the time to add something fun. Many activities burn calories plus you get to have some fun. Skip the gym today (not everyday) and go play with your friends. Do a round of golf, go bowling, dancing or even rollerblading.

Resources

• Free online exercise calculator.
• eHow Health & Fitness Guide.

[billips]

on 5/5/2009 Good ideas for mixing up your exercise routine - it will certainly help you achieve your goals faster - 5* - B.