Demanding new things from your muscles by Jillian

Fitness_Chick

What Is Modality?

Modality is a great way to vary your routine. In addition to intensity, weight load, and the 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, 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 on demanding new things from your muscles and you'll continue to see the results every time you look in the mirror.

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY

Simply Irresistible
No matter what piece of equipment you're using, even if it's your own body, there are many ways to increase and decrease the resistance level of your exercise. For example, if your routine includes 1 set of lunges for 20 reps using just your body weight as resistance; change it up by making it 2 sets for 10 reps, with a 15-pound dumbbell in each hand for added resistance.

Fitness_Chick

What Is Modality?

Modality is a great way to vary your routine. In addition to intensity, weight load, and the 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, 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 on demanding new things from your muscles and you'll continue to see the results every time you look in the mirror.

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY

Simply Irresistible
No matter what piece of equipment you're using, even if it's your own body, there are many ways to increase and decrease the resistance level of your exercise. For example, if your routine includes 1 set of lunges for 20 reps using just your body weight as resistance; change it up by making it 2 sets for 10 reps, with a 15-pound dumbbell in each hand for added resistance.