Need to "switch up" workouts?

RyanneRose
RyanneRose Posts: 128 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have an elliptical at home that I've been using on pretty much a daily basis. My other exercise is essentially chasing around, lifting and carrying my 1yr old (~25lbs) through the day. I've also started adding in a minimal amount of upper-body work.
I've seen repeatedly that people try to "switch up" their workouts so that their bodies don't get used to the same routine and stop responding to it. I've lost a bit already, but am I shooting myself in the foot by basically doing the same workout every day (though varying time and intensity)? I don't really have the option of going to a gym on any sort of regular basis or have anyone who could watch my daughter if i did.

Replies

  • gigithegirly
    gigithegirly Posts: 9 Member
    try hooping, it's awesome and can be done at home and learned online and is an awesome workout at 300+ cal/hr.

    edited to add: yes, i'd switch up my workouts, i always enjoy doing a variety of things but hooping is a cornerstone in my workout regimen.
  • RyanneRose
    RyanneRose Posts: 128 Member
    Hmm. well that's something I hadn't considered.
  • red0801
    red0801 Posts: 283 Member
    I have a set of workouts in my exercise log that use light weights & high reps. Lots of lunges/squats/presses/curls using 5 - 12 lb weights.

    Or I have really enjoyed Couch to 5k running program. It has helped me go from not being able to run down the street to doing my 2nd 5 k this year in about a month.

    Hope it helps.
  • ThePinkPenguin
    ThePinkPenguin Posts: 138
    I am thinking of switching up as well. I need to incorporate more strength training and I would like to get some new DVDs that are a little more intense. I still love my Zumba and other dance exercises, plus the Leslie Sansone walking, but I know some of the things I have been doing are not as challenging anymore. I still have about 12 days left on 30 Day Shred, then I am hoping to up the intensity. Figure if I have survived Jillian I can officially do anything! LOL.
  • phjorg
    phjorg Posts: 252 Member
    just by going at a higher intensity you just switched up your work out.
  • fitnessfreddie
    fitnessfreddie Posts: 74 Member
    You don't need to switch up a routine ever. Maybe increase intensity or resistance but other then that there's no need.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Add in some Zuska Light workouts from YouTube to your routine. Bodyweight stuff that you can do in your living room while your kid naps
  • DawnEH612
    DawnEH612 Posts: 574 Member
    Our bodies are amazingly adaptable and for physical changes to occur you have to switch things up.. But its also good to change things up for mental reasons. Try a day of body weight exercises. If you have on demand cable try the free workout videos on there. Get a few inexpensive resistance bands or hand held weights (five below has them for $5 or less) and pick up a DVD next to it. Go online for some ideas. Even changing up the workouts on your ET will help. Try HIIT or regular intervals once a week. Heres only ONE suggestion: warm up for 5 minutes at lit intensity. Then begin with 30-60 seconds of speed intervals... Go as fast as you can for 30-60 seconds. The do 2 minutes of low to moderate intensity recovery pace. Do this for 20-25 minutes and end with 5 minutes of light intensity. Of course stretch afterwards. Good luck with shaking things up!
  • SenseiCole
    SenseiCole Posts: 429 Member
    monday pm-personal training session
    Tuesday am weights pm cardo
    wednesday karate
    thursday am weights pm cardo
    friday pm personaltraining session
    sat pm karate
    sunday orieneeting

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