Exercise Routine?

rubixcyoob
rubixcyoob Posts: 395
in Fitness and Exercise
So, I am going to start exercising regularly, getting up early to do so, and hopefuly keep it going into the new year. Is it better to have a set plan - such as "On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I'll do X and on Tuesday and Thursday I'll do Y"?

Or would it be okay to constantly change it?

I have lots of Jillian Michaels DVDs, plus some 10 minute fix ones (pilates) and I'm going to get some kettlebells. Instead of me doing one Dvd on a specific day, constantly, would I get the same results if I done a different dvd every day and kept mixing the days up as the weeks progress?
I just find I get bored all too quickly with the routines if I do it at the same time/for however long.

I was thinking that way if I wanted to be specific I could do something like Killer Buns and Thighs, but if I wanted something a bit longer I'd have BMBF or NMTZ and it can all be tailored to how long I have and how I am feeling, yet I'll still be exercising.

Replies

  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    Have a plan but be reactive.

    I always lay my days out on what I PLAN to do, but you have to be able to adapt. Some days you'll feel great and can push it, other days you may be injured and need to do a different workout.
  • girlinahat
    girlinahat Posts: 2,956 Member
    I plan to do 3x days a week of lifting. It varies what I do in the weight room, and if it works that I go rock climbing instead of lifting on one of those days then that's fine.

    I also aim to do one other day of exercise, but I keep that free for whatever takes my fancy. So if the weather is nice I might go for a long walk or cycle.

    I hate having too set a plan, because then I end up changing plans and then give up. With you, I would perhaps try and do one DVD a week - ie. the same routine each time you workout, and then change the next week.
  • munozrd
    munozrd Posts: 62 Member
    I agree with changing the DVD each week. That way, you won't get bored and I have heard trainers say that it helps to burn more calories because your body constantly has to change with what you do.
  • darlilama
    darlilama Posts: 794 Member
    I always start with a plan and then adapt as needed. A plan will allow you to set up a routine with the right balance of strength and cardio. Also, if you know there's a day when you're short on time or whatever, you can account for it in your plan and be ready to go with a workout planned for that day. It really helps me, anyway! My last 30 day plan was a mix of all the DVD workouts I had. It definitely kept me from getting bored! Good luck!
  • caseythirteen
    caseythirteen Posts: 956 Member
    I saw whatever keeps you doing it is the best thing for you. Some people thrive on the discipline of a set plan, some people can't stand it. I lean towards a plan but let myself change things up depending on what happens. I would think maybe thinking of a week as a whole would be a good way to start. Only 7 days so not strict but it at least gives you focus for the week and know what you can anticipate. That way you can also make sure you aren't doing the same thing back to back or working different body parts, etc. Whatever you choose, sticking to it is what matters most at first!
  • xidia
    xidia Posts: 606 Member
    I have two strength workouts which alternate (5x5 strong lifts) and 3 cardio programs (swim, bike, run) which I mix and match to do 2 as a target each session. I do 2-3 sessions a week. However, sometimes I've not eaten right, or not slept well, or just can't bring myself to do the second one, and that's OK. I also throw in the odd cycle/run session at a long slow pace for one session every vew weeks rather than the more challenging intervals/hill climb cardio programmes - this helps to remind me that running doesn't have to be hell :)

    Oh, and I plan which days I'm exercising at the beginning of the week because I need a restday between sessions and I have other commitments too. So, I schedule exercise around regular social stuff, then I fit pop-up social stuff around exercise on a weekly basis.
  • murf19
    murf19 Posts: 453 Member
    Sounds like you have the right idea. I write down my workout plans sometimes weeks ahead. I can mix and match, move things around or swich my off day if needed. It helps to have it written out in front of you. You can plan body parts etc...

    good luck

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