Do you ever get so snug and warm inside your comfort zone that, at some point, you feel like you can't get out of it? Sometimes you don't even realize it until you're in a full-blown rut and you wake up one day and realize, if you have to do that same workout one more time, you'll probably yank out all your hair.
Getting out of your comfort zone is a great way to push your limits a little. Pushing yourself will make you stronger, not just physically, but mentally and you'll go back to your old workouts with a fresh perspective and a new appreciation for how strong you really are.
Take the Challenge
I'd like to offer you a challenge. This week, I'd like you to push yourself at least one time. How you do it is up to you - it can be a big challenge or a small challenge but, either way, do something new and see what you're really capable of. Some ideas:
- Try a new activity. If you tend to do the same exercises all the time, try something new this week - a class at the gym, a machine you've never tried, an exercise you never thought you could do. If you need some ideas, check out the workouts and exercises in my Workout Center or choose your own.
- Try heavier weights. When strength training, many of us don't lift as much as we could. If that's the case with you, for just one exercise, pick up those heavy weights and see if you can really fatigue your muscles. Make that last rep difficult, but not impossible. Always make sure you're safe and have good form, of course.
- Add a burst of intensity. At the end of one of your usual workouts, tack on some high intensity exercise - run up and down the stairs, do as many pushups as you can, sprint as fast as you can for a minute or try a full minute of squat thrusts. Do something that really gets your heart rate up, even if it's just for a few seconds.
- Try the 30-Day Fitness Challenge. If you're looking to shake things up even more, this e-course offers both physical and mental challenges for the next 30 days.
- Set a new goal. If you're really ready for a challenge, set a new goal for yourself - sign up for a 5K race or join a local cycling or running club. You could even set a goal to be able to do a certain number of pushups or chin ups - whatever it is, make it something you'll really work for.
I am here to tell you that while it is true there is no such thing as spot reduction, there is undoubtedly a strong argument for the benefits of Pilates style leg lifts and floor work for closest thing to it! I am a certified PT and group ex instructor and the floor work we do in my classes has immense toning and shaping benefits.
You can’t JUST work these areas and no others and expect to look good. But you can add these exercises in a couple days a week for added toning and tightening results.
I agree with this one. You can’t do the same exercises all the time without hitting a plateau or having boredom kick in. Plus, you don’t need to buy all the fancy gadgets to find ways to exercise; if you don’t have weights, try using cans of soup and if you don’t want to walk, try biking or skating. Just a thought.
It’s a shame that you allow what are probably epileptiform inducing rapidly-flashing adverts on your site.
For those who get bored with mere exercises, why not try a racquet sport? Chasing a ball (or a badminton shuttle) is great exercise, and lots of fun.
I’m all for agreeing with this post. In fact, my boyfriend and I are signed up for a 4 week hardcore Bootcamp class at our gym starting tonight. I think it’s a great challenge to just jump in and try something new!
Ya know, this more universal concept. I realizd that most folks on here are looking to further physical activity, but I’m an artist, and I need to get away from abstract, and work on another genre. I’m gonna do landscapes.