Now that many of us are at home, we’ve settled into workout routines to stay fit. If you need help getting started, read our blog with tips on creating a working regime.
Finding a workout you like can be a challenge, so it is easy to stick with the same routine once you find something you enjoy doing. However, there are many benefits to changing a workout routine, especially if you do not see results.
How to know when to change my workout routine?
There are a few signs that show it’s time to make a change. Here is what to watch out for.
- You are no longer sore. Though soreness from a workout is uncomfortable, it’s also a sign that you are working hard. Once your muscles adapt to training, you won’t feel as sore, but it can also mean it’s time to change the routine. Try adding more weights or more reps to what you are doing or go for a different type of workout.
- The workout feels easy or boring. If you find that you are not breaking a sweat or that you are bored during the exercise, it could be a sign that it is too easy. A boring routine may also indicate that it’s not working your muscles enough.
- You don’t see results. After working out for a time, you should see some results, such as increased energy, better sleep, and stronger muscles. If you do not see any of those results, your routine could be to blame.
If you find you are experiencing any of the above, it might be time for a change.
Benefits of changing workouts
There are some distinct benefits to switching up a workout routine. If you change what you do, you will likely experience the following.
- Work different muscles. You can avoid hitting plateaus by working other muscle groups with a different routine.
- Avoid injury. If you work out the same way continuously, you might end up hurting a muscle or overusing a part of your body. This can lead to an injury.
- Reduce the risk of fatigue. If you do the same workout every day, you might just get bored and stop exercising altogether. By changing it up, you can avoid exercise fatigue and stick with it.
How to change a workout
There are a few different ways to switch up exercise regimens. If you are working out with weights, try increasing the weight and decreasing the reps. This will help if you find the workout to be too easy. Adding weight will add a challenge, so it’s OK to decrease reps. You can also increase the intensity of your workout. If you are a runner, try sprinting for a shorter distance on some days. It’s also worth looking at different types of classes. If you are always doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), for example, try adding one day per week of yoga or something that works on strength and core.
Don’t miss our blog on how exercise improves vascular health. Find it here.
