February 8th, 2024

8 reasons to vary your exercise routine

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to the world of fitness, the importance of variety in your exercise routine cannot be overstated. While consistency is the true key to any results, in most cases, incorporating a diverse range of exercise styles and movements is optimal for functional health, longevity, and enjoyment.

8 ways to amp up your fitness routine

1. BREAKING THE MONOTONY

One of the most common reasons for people abandoning their fitness routines is out of boredom. We get it! Performing the same set of exercises over and over can become monotonous, leading to a lack of motivation and enthusiasm. When workouts become dull, you’re also more likely to skip sessions or lose interest altogether.

Incorporating variety into your routine keeps things interesting. Try different forms of cardiovascular activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises. For example, you can alternate between running, cycling, and swimming for cardio while integrating bodyweight exercises, weights, and resistance bands for strength training. Another approach is to explore different workout styles like yoga, HIIT, or dance. Changing your workout environment by taking your exercises outdoors or trying a new gym can also provide a refreshing change. Additionally, periodically adjusting your workout intensity and duration or incorporating new challenges like interval training or circuit workouts prevents staleness.

Whether you prefer to exercise at home or at the gym, hiring an online or mobile personal trainer is a great way to keep workouts fresh while still following a smart and functional plan. Variety is important, but structure and proper programming support tangible results! If you have specific goals in mind but you’re not sure how to incorporate both strategy and variety, personal training can help.

2. OVERCOMING PLATEAUS

Regardless of fitness level, everyone encounters plateaus at some point. Exercise plateaus occur when the body adapts to a specific workout routine, leading to a stagnation or slowdown in progress. When you first engage in a new exercise routine, your body responds by making physiological adaptations to meet the demands placed upon it. However, over time, the muscles and systems involved become more efficient, and initial gains start to diminish. The body, being highly adaptable, becomes accustomed to the stressors imposed during the workout, resulting in reduced improvement.

Plateaus can sometimes stem from a lack of variety or overload in your routine, as the muscles targeted may not experience sufficient variation or stress to trigger new growth or strength development. By introducing new exercises or challenges, you can shock your muscles and stimulate growth once again, keeping your body guessing and continuously adapting. This dynamic approach is vital for sustained progress.

3. TARGETING DIFFERENT MUSCLE GROUPS

Every exercise targets specific muscle groups, and focusing on a single type of exercise may neglect other areas of the body. A well-rounded workout routine should incorporate a variety of movements to ensure all muscle groups are engaged and strengthened. Combining cardiovascular exercises with strength training and flexibility exercises creates a comprehensive approach that promotes overall fitness. This holistic strategy not only enhances your physique but also supports joint health and flexibility.

Personal trainers specialize in smart program design that places safety and complete well-being at the forefront of every program. If you’re not sure how to approach program design, booking a session with an online or in-home fitness professional is a great place to begin.

4. INJURY PREVENTION

Repeating the same exercises too much can increase your likelihood for overuse injuries, which develop when a specific part of the body is subjected to repetitive stress or strain without adequate time for recovery. These injuries often result from a combination of excessive frequency, intensity, and/or duration of a particular activity, causing cumulative damage to tissues and structures. Common in athletes and fitness enthusiasts, overuse injuries can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Without proper planning and execution, the repetitive nature of movements like running, cycling, or weightlifting can lead to microtrauma, inflammation, or even structural breakdown. Preventing these injuries involves incorporating sufficient rest, addressing imbalances, but most importantly the use of exercise variety.

By diversifying your workout routine, you distribute the load across various muscle groups and joints, reducing your risk for overuse. Incorporating different movement patterns also helps improve overall joint stability and flexibility, contributing to a stronger and more resilient body.

5. MENTAL STIMULATION

Exercise is not only a physical endeavor but a mental one, as research has shown that regular exercise is linked to improved cognitive abilities. In a recent interview, Dr. Scott McGinnis, an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, stated that “engaging in a program of regular exercise of moderate intensity over six months or a year is associated with an increase in the volume of selected brain regions” (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023).

Engaging in physical activity triggers a series of physiological responses, including increased blood flow to the brain, the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, and the growth of new neurons. These neurochemical changes positively impact mood, reduce stress, and contribute to a heightened state of alertness and focus. Regular exercise has been linked to improved memory, faster information processing, and enhanced executive functions such as planning and decision-making. These effects are enhanced when a variety of exercises that challenge different motor skills, reflexes, and coordination are applied.

6. IMPROVED SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Different exercises require varying skill sets, whether it’s mastering a new yoga pose, perfecting a weightlifting technique, or refining your running form. By diversifying your workouts, you have the opportunity to develop and improve a range of skills. This adds a layer of excitement to your fitness journey while enhancing your overall athletic ability.

Enhancing athletic ability and movement versatility can also have a profound impact on your confidence levels. Trying new activities and movements creates a positive and empowering feedback loop, as learning new skills leads to a heightened sense of mastery over your body and capability! This tangible progress serves as evidence of personal growth and resilience, fostering a positive self-perception.

7. FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

Life is dynamic, and circumstances can change, which can affect your ability to adhere to a rigid workout routine. Whether it’s a busy schedule, travel, or unexpected events, having a diverse range of exercises in your repertoire allows for greater flexibility and adaptability. You can modify your workouts based on the time, space, and equipment available, ensuring that you can stay active and maintain consistency even in challenging situations.

8. ENJOYMENT

Exercise should not feel like a chore but rather an enjoyable and fulfilling activity. The “people who are most likely to stick to an exercise program are the people who find deeper meaning to exercise” (Martin Ginis, director of the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, CBC). Incorporating variety allows you to explore different forms of physical activity and find what truly resonates with you. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, power-lifting, or canoeing, discovering new activities that bring joy enhances your overall well-being. When you genuinely enjoy your workouts, you are more likely to stay committed to your fitness routine over the long term.

FINAL WORDS

Exercise variety can be a cornerstone for sustaining a lifelong commitment to fitness. From breaking the monotony and overcoming plateaus to preventing injuries and enhancing mental stimulation, the benefits of incorporating diverse exercises are multifaceted. Embrace the opportunity to challenge your body and mind in new ways! Keep it interesting, stay motivated, and enjoy the transformative power of a fun and unique exercise routine.

If you could use some help doing that, we’re here for you! First workouts are zero pressure and always free – book yours here.