If you’re trying to make exercise a long-term habit of yours rather than just a temporary kick, or if you want to enjoy all the benefits of working out beyond weight loss, then variety is the key. Not only can switching things up help you maintain your motivation and keep things interesting, but it also helps you avoid and overcome the plateaus that can see your progress slow as you get more acclimated to an active lifestyle. So, what are the best ways to ensure your exercise routine gets that much-needed variety?
Use Every Machine At The Gym
First of all, don’t fall into the habit of only using a few machines that are at your local gym. While it can help you feel more comfortable to stick with what feels familiar, and mastering a few exercises is certainly an accomplishment to aim for, using different machines can help you prevent muscle imbalances and target neglected areas. Exploring every machine at the gym also allows you to discover new ways to train and allows you can add so variety to your exercise routine. Cable machines, for example, offer a different type of resistance than free weights, providing constant tension on the muscles throughout the movement.
Switch Up Your Weight Training
Weight training is a vital part of any exercise routine, especially if you’re focusing on building strength. However, if you’re only using one kind of weights or only using them in a limited set of ways, you could be missing out on the full benefit. Rather than just using dumbbells, for instance, incorporating new weights like a kettlebell can open up a whole new world of more dynamic exercises, helping you add movements like swings, snatches, and more to your routine. There is no better way to ensure that you’re engaging different muscle groups than exploring different weights and different exercises using them.
Try Out The Classes In Your Gym
Most gyms offer more than just access to machines. Always keep an eye out for the different group fitness and trainer-led classes that let you explore whole new ways to get moving. Whether it’s a yoga class, spinning, high-intensity interval training, or otherwise, you can push yourself out of your comfort zone and also benefit from the motivation that comes with guidance and being surrounded by like-minded gym-goers.
Get Outdoors With It
Getting into an environment other than the home or the gym can be a breath of literal and figurative fresh air. Surrounding yourself in natural surroundings, whether it’s the beach, the park, or a nearby wood, can offer plenty of mental health benefits beyond the physical. There’s a visceral challenge to running, hiking, or cycling on different terrains as well, giving you a whole new way to measure your progress and see your competence improve.
There is never a shortage of new experiences to find in the world of exercise. Whether you try something new at the gym or learn how to use your equipment at home in new and exciting ways, you can keep pushing your boundaries and building a better you as long as you wish.
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