Try Different Modes of Exercise

ProTFitness

From LOSING IT! With Jillian Michaels
Thursday, September 16, 2010


Try Different Modes of Exercise
Need to take your workout to the next level? Try a different modality. What's a "modality"? It's really just a fancy word for your particular form of exercise. In addition to intensity, weight load, and number of sets and reps you do, you can alternate between different exercises that work the same muscles, thereby changing your "mode" of exercise.

For example, if your routine includes the seated row machine, which works the midback, biceps, and forearms, you can alternate it with another machine or activity that works the same muscles — try to choose one that provides a change of position from the seated row, as well as a different pace. In addition to spicing up your routine, alternating your exercises trains your muscles through different ranges of motion, allowing you to target them with greater accuracy.

There are plenty of options to choose from to keep your program challenging, fun, and as effective as possible. You are learning this stuff so you can take the reins, so be honest with yourself about what your body is getting out of your workouts. You won't make progress unless you constantly challenge yourself. That's right — it's never going to get easier, just better. Keep demanding new things from your muscles, and you'll continue to see the results every time you look in the mirror.