Variety Is The Key

The human body is amazing!  It adapts quickly to stresses placed upon it.  This was a very good characteristic for our ancestors, but not so great for us.

Stuck in a modern society of ease and convenience–with washing machines, fast food, and speedy cars–we also have obesity, heart problems, and many different health challenges that come with inactivity.

Because our bodies are so impressive, we have to work harder and challenge ourselves differently to maintain optimum health and vigor.  When we look at living better and longer, we would be wise to remember what Theodore Roosevelt said: “Nothing worth gaining was ever gained without effort.”  If we want to increase our fitness and health, we have to be willing to push ourselves.  But if we do the same activity over and over again, we will really have to work hard to keep seeing results.

Variety is the key when we’re trying to lose weight, get past a plateau, or become more fit.  If we do the same cardio or weight routine over and over, it will become easy.  This is a good thing because it means we’re getting stronger, but it also means that we are burning fewer calories because our bodies are used to the demands placed upon them.  We can fix this problem by upping the intensity, duration, and speed of our workouts or by changing the type of workouts we do (cross-training).  Cross-training recruits different muscle groups, challenges our bodies in a new way, and will help us burn more calories.

If you always walk, try riding a bike or going for a swim.  If you love the elliptical machine, try the Stairmaster.  If you faithfully go to step aerobics, sample a yoga, Pilates, or kickboxing class.  If you work out at home and need some variety, go for a hike at a nearby canyon, rent a new workout video or plan a girl’s night out at the gym.

Variety really is the key to exercise.  My challenge to you is this: Try something different this week!  It will make your workout more interesting, help you to lose weight and improve your fitness level.

Cami Checketts’ latest novel, The Sister Pact, is in stores now.  Please refer to her website – www.camichecketts.com for more information.  © 2009