Have you spent hours on the treadmill and elliptical machine each week but still aren't getting results? You're probably stuck in a fitness rut where your body has adapted to your workout routine and just doesn't respond to the activity like it used to. The best way to get over the plateau is to change up your workout and challenge new muscle groups; it's the only way to get your body into shape for the long-term and might even help you stick with your new routine.
The Problem With Your Workout "Routine"
Keeping up with a workout routine can help you stay motivated and on track with your weight loss and fitness goals, but there's also some danger with consistency. Your body will adapt to almost any workout routine, especially cardio workouts that do not challenge many different muscle groups. You might still elevate your heart rate, but you won't burn as many calories per hour and over time, may even end up reducing your fitness level.
The best way to get over this fitness plateau is to change up your workout routine so you're rarely doing the same set of exercises and activities each week. Take the time to create a weekly plan that includes weight training and cardio routines at different intensities so you're always working different muscle groups.
Creative Ways to Change Your Workout Routine
When you're ready to get over a workout plateau and kick your metabolism into high gear, consider these creative strategies that will really take your workouts up a notch:
Add weights to your walking routine. Wear ankle weights or carry a pair of dumbbells on your next walking circuit so you're challenging your legs and arms as you finish your route. You'll have a chance to boost your metabolism and burn some extra calories without having to learn a complicated routine. Start a circuit training routine - take a break from the usual treadmill or elliptical machine at the gym and jump into a circuit training routine.
Your circuit training workout may include brief intervals of jumping rope, lifting dumbbells, stretching exercises and sprinting. The goal is to increase your heart rate rapidly while switching between different workouts all in one session.
Take it outdoors. If you're always working out inside the gym, take your workouts outside for a variation on your usual routine. Running on pavement or sand is very different from running on a treadmill, and your body will naturally burn extra calories as it tries to adapt to the new terrain.
Exercising outdoors can also be a refreshing break from your usual surroundings; turn a walk into a hike along a scenic trail, go running on a cross-country trek or just try yoga or Pilates outside to enjoy the fresh air.
Your workout and fitness routine will be much more effective and worthwhile when you take a break from the usual and try something new. Be brave and change up your routine to get over any fitness or weight-loss plateau, and you'll have the chance to boost your metabolism and challenge new muscle groups as you build your strength and increase your fitness level.