switching up your workouts or staying consistent...which is best?

iamcallieu
iamcallieu Posts: 17 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Everyone! Happy Friday! I have a question about mixing up your workouts. I've done zumba five days straight this week. I also like to do circuit training and HIIT. I'm wondering if it's better to switch up workouts to trick your body, or is it better to be consistent with the workouts you are doing. I know some people consistently do the same workout every day and have a lot of success, but I also recall hearing somewhere that it's good to have a lot of variety in your workouts (I can't remember why...) I'd love some wisdom here, or some advice.

Replies

  • giggitygoo
    giggitygoo Posts: 1,978 Member
    I think when people say "variety" they mean more mixing cardio and strength, than making sure each workout you do is different.

    I don't think there is anything wrong with staying consistent, as long as you make sure to change things up when your routine is no longer challenging. To me, it's all about choosing a routine that you will actually do, and choosing something you like is an important factor.
  • thatsillyshana23
    thatsillyshana23 Posts: 106 Member
    I like to do new things just because I get bored or want to test my limits. I also think it's great to see what other muscles you can work on when switching up the routine. I'm not sure about tricking the body or anything like that, but it's more fun trying other things. As long as you're enjoying what you're doing I think your body will thank you :]
  • odddrums
    odddrums Posts: 342 Member
    The whole idea of "tricking your body" isn't really backed up by science, though it is a nice thought. That said, if anyone knows of any studies to confirm or deny this, please let me know!

    Personally, I prefer consistent workouts because you can track your progress more easily and figure out if you are stalling for whatever reason. By tracking my workouts I can see if I'm able to lift more weight, climb higher, and run faster than previous weeks. That said, I also use a variety of workouts, but I try to do them consistently: I rock climb and lift weights 2-3 times a week, go for a 3+ mile jog 1-2 times a week, and go to Bikram Yoga once a week or so.

    Honestly though, I think as long as you're doing something regularly it will have health benefits. If it's not the same exercise every week, or every workout even, that shouldn't matter as much in the long run because at the end of it all, you're still working!
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    You don't need to trick your body. Honestly I'm not even sure what that means. Consistency is important for reaching your goals.

    But you should consider including progressive loading strength training into your program to preserve your muscle while you lose weight.
  • iamcallieu
    iamcallieu Posts: 17 Member
    Thank you all so much! Yah, I don't really know what it means to "trick your body" either. I think it means burning more calories becuase you are doing something your body isnt used to doing(?). I totally agree with the advice on including strength training. I've been using my own body weight to strengthen, but I think weights would be helpful.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    iamcallieu wrote: »
    Thank you all so much! Yah, I don't really know what it means to "trick your body" either. I think it means burning more calories becuase you are doing something your body isnt used to doing(?). I totally agree with the advice on including strength training. I've been using my own body weight to strengthen, but I think weights would be helpful.

    You do need to continue to challenge yourself because you get used to whatever workout you do regularly. The nice thing about weights is that if you're following a program it's built in-- when you add weight the workout gets harder. For cardio you either need to go longer, faster, or with greater difficulty (like running at an incline) over time. But it's not like you stop burning calories, it's just that you get more efficient so you see a slight decrease in burns.
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    Sometimes I warm up for my squats, then run over and to a set of bench presses to take full advantage of muscle confusion. The pecs never see it coming.

    Less idiotically, if you want to get really good at a particular exercise, keep doing it with progressive increase - whether this means a faster pace, adding weight, more reps, or working out longer.

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