Have you been working out so hard lately that it feels like you have given it your all, but still don’t see results? You work out four to five times a week and you are consistent with your workout plan, and are eating healthy, but nothing gives?
Here’s the kicker: By overworking your body, you might be setting yourself up for failure, and by keeping the same routine, and not changing it up, you are sabotaging yourself.
Let me put together a scenario for you:
Jack is still somewhat new to the gym. He and some friends joined a couple months ago. They’ve been lifting heavy weights to gain muscle mass. At first, Jack noticed a difference right away. It gave him motivation to keep going on a consistent basis. But recently, he hasn’t noticed any more gains. Why? Because he never changed up his routine. Changing the amounts of repetitions and sets, adding to his current lift weight and changing up the exercises will not only make him stronger, but will also pull him out of the rut he’s been stuck in.
Another scenario:
Jill joined the gym last year to lose some extra weight she put on after having a baby. She goes to the gym every morning and takes two fitness classes. She loves her classes and instructors and is extremely dedicated.
She even lost 20 pounds this past year. However, she still has 10 more pounds to lose to get back to her pre-baby weight. She works out for two hours a day, so why isn’t it coming off?
Because she’s never changed her routine. Her body is now used to those specific movements and weight selections. By increasing her weight in the classes, taking different classes, or stepping out of the classroom and onto the gym floor to try some new exercises her body will start to react to the new routines.
It’s easy to walk into the gym and get on your favorite treadmill (you know, the third one in the second row), walk into your favorite class with your best friend or hit up the same leg press you use weekly instead of using the squat rack you’ve never tried before. Unfortunately, our bodies recognize the pattern. They need change, and they will react to it — if you are willing to step out of the box.
At the Plant City YMCA, we can guide you in the right direction. We offer several group fitness classes throughout the morning, lunch, and evening to offer motivation in a group setting. We also have personal trainers who can help you get started on your fitness journey or take you to the next level. We can even show you how to use that intimidating machine in the corner. So if you’re stuck in your own rut and need a little help (or maybe even a little push), stop by and see us. You might even see Jack in a Bodypump class and Jill on the assisted pull-up machine.
Heather Dykstra is an AFAA certified personal trainer, and has been a group fitness instructor for over 13 years. She is currently involved with the Plant City Family YMCA.