Variety is the Spice of Strength Training
Tuesday July 26, 2005
When it comes to lifting weights, one of the most important things you'll do is change your program on a regular basis. Why? Because, your body will adapt to any new stresses placed on it and, once it gets used to an exercise, it will expend less energy to do it. That means making changes, both big and small, to keep the challenge going. Some small changes you can make each week include:
- Adding a rep to set (keeping reps under 16)
- Increase your weight and lower the reps
- Change the order of your exercises
- Substitute new moves (e.g., dumbbell rows instead of machine rows)
Comments
I’ve found that variety is key for getting that truly “cut” look. For years I sought after a body type that I never really achieved and would get frustrated and just quit for long periods.
The problem was that my body would get used to the routine that I was doing and would just stop developing toward my goal.
I invested 20 bucks in a weigh training book that had over 600 moves. Now- I mix up my work out every time I go to the gym with just a little planning before hand. I try new exercies all the time that work muscles from slightly different angles.
The results have been stunning in just a few months.
No matter how much you lift- if you don’t change it up you are going to get nowhere.
And, remember- it really is quality over quantity when it comes to weight training- which was a mindset I had trouble adapting too.
Changing it up (and extra attention to core muscles- abs, deeper abs, and erectors) has really brought out the results I have long been looking for.