Revamp Your Routine
If you feel like you’re putting in the effort at the gym without seeing the results, your record-spinning fitness routine may be at fault.
While all the rage, I’m personally not a fan of boutique fitness centers that offer only one type of class (yoga, spinning, boxing, etc) as a sole means of fitness. Yes, they may be exciting and challenging at first, but that will only last so long. After awhile, your body is bound to get used to the routine which can stall your progress. Although any exercise is better than none at all, working the same muscles over and over can be damaging. Hence why MLB careers are so short, specifically for pitchers. It’s fine to take these classes once in awhile but it’s important to vary your routine. Don’t get me wrong, I love group fitness classes. They’re a great way to meet local people with the same goals and interests. It’s also motivating to get through a tough workout together and know you aren’t the only one struggling. However, if you find your workout lacking the challenge that was once there, try the below tips for a revamp.
Ways to challenge yourself:
Try a new class, instructor or activity
Find a partner
Add or increase weight
Increase speed, incline, resistance (cardio)
I used to loathe spin classes. Sitting in one spot, running through the same, painful motion, felt like an eternity. The reason I started spinning was due to the fact that it was the only class offered Wednesday nights. It was all or nothing so I sucked it up in the name of fitness. It didn’t take long before I started to enjoy going. A couple years later and I still aim to spin at least once a week. After awhile it actually started getting easier, so much so that I had to find a new instructor that would challenge me once again. Getting to the gym is the hardest part, once you’re there you might as well put in adequate effort. One tip for spinning is to challenge yourself by using the knob to adjust the resistance of the bike. If the instructor has you theoretically pedaling up a hill but you are moving at the speed of light, the resistance is not high enough and you are going the wrong way on the hill.
Once in awhile it’s nice to go for a solo run, listen to music and clear my head but, in general, I prefer group activities. I can’t speak for everyone but when I exercise alone, I tend to not push myself to the limit. One of my instructors in particular knows my capabilities and will give me heavier weights when she knows I can handle more, even if I don’t. Far too often I see people leisurely using the cardio machines. Like I said, any exercise is better than none, but don’t expect real change to come from this. Put away the distractions (phone, book, magazine) and focus. Although, for those of you who don’t currently exercise in the first place, it’s better to leisurely read a magazine on the treadmill than while on the couch! Aim for improvement, not perfection. In time, you will be able to take your stroll to a sprint. No one is good at everything but it doesn’t hurt to try! What one person finds enjoyable, another may find challenging. I have a friend who loves to rock climb whereas I find it extremely difficult. In the case of my spinning class, if I went more often, I’m sure I’d find it more enjoyable as well.
I’ve come to realize I can’t physically withstand high-intensity workouts for days on end. Far too often I’d end up with shin splints, a sign of overuse. I also wasn’t eating enough of the right foods in order to fuel my body for vigorous exercise. I now aim to vary the intensity as well as the workout. No two weeks are the same but I try to do a combination of spinning, running, weight training, TRX, yoga, as well as intramural sports to keep myself challenged and well-rounded.
-Mallory
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