We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

how often should you change exercise routine?

Ajirvin
Ajirvin Posts: 131 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
How often should you change your workout routine? I know at some point your body gets used to the same thing over and over, but at what point is that? I have a baby so I workout at home. Going to the gym isn't an option for me. I have a jump rope, a big trampoline, and some very light weights. (Any workout suggestions will be appreciated :-) )

Replies

  • IsaackGMOON
    IsaackGMOON Posts: 3,358 Member
    Until you stop seeing progress.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    the whole idea that you need to mix things up or you're going to somehow go to *kitten* is a bunch of crap. I cycle and I lift...yes, I do switch up my rep ranges...not to "confuse" my body or anything, but because I have different fitness goals at different times of year...

    but I don't change my workouts really...I ride, I get in a 5K run usually once or twice per week and I lift...been doing it for years.

    you should let your fitness goals dictate what you're doing.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    You really don't ever "have" to change it
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    For most "normal" people, when you get bored. If you have specific performance goals, then changes might be needed here and there to get to your goals, but for most people doing this for fun, to lose weight, stay in shape etc, this does not really come up that often, if ever.
  • quiltlovinlisa
    quiltlovinlisa Posts: 1,710 Member
    Fitness Blender is an online site (and they're on youtube) with free exercise videos. They offer different types of workouts, varying intensities and it's easy to switch up what you're doing.

    I'm not an expert by any means on fitness, so I'm not qualified to answer whether you need to switch up your exercise but I'm striving for full body fitness, so I'm doing a variety of workouts including strength, yoga, HIIT, hiking and low impact/walking on recovery days.

    Like you, I also do my workouts at home. :)
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    I think it is best to keep a balance in your muscles. Train to work all your muscle groups. That way you can keep a balance and prevent injuries. For instance train equally quads and hams. A good way is to go with compound lifting. Or you can design your own overall bodyweight/dumbbell/kettlebell circuits. Increase resistance as you progress.
  • KittensMaster
    KittensMaster Posts: 748 Member
    I do a variety just to keep from being bored

    If you are targeting a muscle group to improve, then good progress is your measuring stick

    I do lifting compound exercises twice a week, then some cardio in the morning at home on machines, and work in a typical 80 miles of cycling per week after work.

    No boredom

    It is gonna get interesting when I start back in martial arts class. That is twice a week and you need to be semi obsessive to do well.

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Ajirvin wrote: »
    How often should you change your workout routine? I know at some point your body gets used to the same thing over and over, but at what point is that?

    Whenever it feels easier than before. But you don't necessarily have to change the exercise. The 4 variables you can change are:

    FOAd91c.png

    For example, your "light weights" probably aren't doing much for you, so you would change the intensity (= heavier weight). You might need to change the "type" too, if you're not following a good strength program.
  • lavrn03
    lavrn03 Posts: 235 Member
    I try to change my workouts often to keep challenging myself. It keeps my progression going. I now lift heavier weights and can run longer and faster because I do that.
    Good luck!
    A lot of free workout video on YouTube.
  • Ajirvin
    Ajirvin Posts: 131 Member
    edited August 2015
    Thank Y'all so much!! for your input
  • aaroessler
    aaroessler Posts: 32 Member
    IsaackGMOON wrote: »
    Until you stop seeing progress.
    Perfect response.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories