We’re creatures of habit. We like routine, balance, and having a certain knowledge of what’s coming next. This isn’t really a problem, unless you’re so balanced that your routine is giving you the exact some results every time, and you want different results. When this is the case, it’s time to make a change.
You can apply this to anything in life, and I’d like for you to think about topics other than health and fitness when you get a chance. For now, let’s discuss how you can slip a little something new into your fitness regimen.
Personally, I like making big changes, I like contrast. Jogging? No, thank you, I’ll go for a walk, or all out sprint. If you’re like me, you may want to try out big changes as well. If you’re an aerobic fiend who loves hour long sessions on a bike or elliptical, experiment with some dedicated strength training. Not only will it provide a great change for your body, but you’ll notice your endurance work becoming easier. On the contrary, if you’ve spent a good deal of time focusing only on low-repetition strength training, you might want to try some higher volume training. No, I’m not exactly saying go for a jog, but rather try something like kettlebell swings. You’ll be able to practice your hip hinge, while developing power and a great conditioning effect.
If you don’t handle big changes well, small ones can still help to make the most out of your efforts. When it comes to overall training sessions, you may be complacent with your 1980’s style bodybuilding routine. Instead of that chest/tris, back/bis, shoulders routine, why don’t you try an upper/lower split, or even full body routines! On the contrary, if you’re used to full body routines, you may be surprised to enjoy splitting things up. (On a personal note, I’m just a week into a program that includes two full body days along with upper/lower days, and I already feel a difference. I’ll have to report back on how things are coming along.) Changing exercise selection, or rotating between various exercises may prove to be a huge difference too. Even rotating set and rep ranges in your given workout can be a new stimulus. If you’re not used to lifting heavy, cut those sets to 3-5, and if you’re not used to the burn of lactate, push the total volume higher. Do something different.
If you’re doing the same thing you’ve always done, it’s likely that you’re getting the same results you’ve always gotten. If you’re content with this, then by all means, keep going! If you’re less than satisfied with these results, and you’d like to accomplish more, then you may want to change things up. It might be a massive change to your program, or it could be a slight change. In the end, you need to make a change that’s going to be the best for you, allow you to reach your short term goals, and contribute to your long term health. Get out of your comfort zone!
Harold Gibbons 
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