This time of year, it's normal for the workout doldrums to set in. We're thisclose to spring, but it's still a ways off. For those of us who are deathly allergic to exercising in cold weather (or maybe that's just me), gym workouts start to get stale. You'll notice this if you get on the same machine in the same spot on the same day each week with the same view (probably another person doing his or her same workout as well).
I noticed this the other day when I tried to get on my usual treadmill and found someone else had stolen it. Didn't she see my name on it?
It's these moments that provide the realization that we need something (anything) different. Thinking about where you are in your exercise life, could your workouts use some spicing up? Vote in this week's poll, telling us about your workout needs, and then check the resources below for spicy ideas.
Spicing Up Your Workouts
Went to two Zumba classes this week one hour each never thought I could do it. Now I cant wait till Sunday to do it again
I’ve come to the conclusion that nothing is absolute in life, everything evolves over time. This is especially true of workout routines over a lifespan; as we age, our body and needs change.
I’ve found myself from time to time too much in a comfort zone, repeating the same exercise routine over and over, the same reps, rigid and inflexible. In a sense, shackled by my workout routine rather than liberated, boxed-in rather than celebrating the joy and power of freedom of movement.
Part of my regular routine now is dynamically adapting my exercises during the session. Change and variety keep us focused and challenged; our workout routines need to evolve. Thinking outside the box, setting new goals, keeping things in perspective, and the bigger picture in front of me, that’s my current mantra. Viva la spice.
Adding some spice:
1. I started a while back elevating my feet higher than my head during my push-ups. I just recently started lifting one foot into the air like a tripod, using two hands, one foot with the push-ups. I have also added lifting my body into a pike position as a segment within the push-ups.
2. I have created and added my own exercises with dumbbells, lifting and extending the weights outward to the sides and to the front, while squatting (not just fly-backs).
3. Lastly, I have created some exercises using a weight bar to see what I could come up with, to strengthen my core while improving my balance and coordination. These involve spinning and swinging the bar and in some cases, switching the hands during the movement. The standard exercises for the weight bar were just too boring for me.