When it comes to exercise, everyone likes something different. I firmly believe that to make fitness a part of your lifestyle you have to do what you like. If you push yourself to do an activity you do not enjoy, looking forward to and sticking with your workouts will be almost impossible.
I also believe that not all types of exercise fall under a “one-size-fits-all” prescription. Just because your best friend has had success with a specific workout does not mean that you will see that same success. Your body composition and genetics are different, your dietary habits may be polar opposites, or you may absolutely hate this amazing workout your friend can’t live without. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great workout—it’s just not the right workout for you. Finding the right workout for your body and your mind is a key component when turning fitness into a part of your lifestyle.
That being said, I do believe in stepping outside the box when it comes to exercising on a regular basis. Having a firm foundation of an activity you enjoy is what helps you maintain an active lifestyle. Losing weight, improving your fitness level, and achieving a goal requires you to step up to the next level. Trying new activities is what will take you the extra mile.
Did you know, after four weeks of participating in any fitness endeavor, you body adjusts to the physical demands and begins to perform more efficiently? While efficiency is key, efficiency also means that it takes your body less energy and fewer calories to exercise then when you first started. In order to keep your calorie burn high and results accumulating you must become a fan of change. Changing the amount of weight you use, repetitions you complete, how long you work out, the intensity of your workout, and the type of workout are all ways to apply what we fitness gurus call the overload principle.
Applying the overload principle to your workouts will not only help you break through plateaus but will also keep your workouts interesting. Trying new things should become exciting! As you challenge yourself, exercises that used to seem impossible will become part of your regular activities—you will surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish as long as you make the decision to step outside the box. You just might find the perfect workout for you!
