I exercise quite a bit and have been since The Sisterhood challenged me to my first 5K in 2009. The only reason I took that challenge back then is because of the peer pressure- I thought, if all these non-runners can take up running for the next 8 weeks, then so can I. If I absolutely hate it at the end, then I can move on to something else.
Except I didn’t hate it that came later.
I am now addicted to exercise and especially running. My body CRAVES it. My soul NEEDS it. My spirit REJOICES with it.
Am I making you throw up yet?
So yeah, I workout/exercise/run/lift weights/yoga/Zumba/spin/swim and everything in between.
However, I find myself getting into a routine with the workouts, especially when I am in the midst of a half marathon training plan (my next half marathon is on March 31st). I run 3 times a week, do strength training 1-2 times a week, and do a 101-5 min yoga routine whenever my body becomes too achey and stiff. Routine is great- it keeps me going, I know what to expect on any given day and interestingly enough, because I know the routine so well, it gives me flexibility to change around workout days whenever the need arises.
BUT, I have stumbled upon something equally important- CHANGE UP YOUR ROUTINE ONCE IN A WHILE.
You see, a few months ago, I decided to add a Body Pump strength training class into my running mix (specifically, a weightlifting class at the YMCA). In the beginning, I thought I might die from how the class made my muscles feel weak. I kept going back to that class week after week after week and I felt myself grow stronger. I noticed it most during my runs, oddly enough. I felt strong and powerful. My legs rarely hurt from running anymore, or it takes me at least until 8 miles to feel any kind of soreness and I attribute this to the Body Pump class I have been taking.
I never would have known this if I had quit back in the beginning, if I hadn’t decided to try something new, if I hadn’t changed up my workout routine.
Guess what? Body Pump no longer makes me sore. Sure, I can lift more weight and it still tires my muscles out, but I don’t get sore from the class. one. single. bit.
Sounds like it’s time to change it up again, doesn’t it?
In the last few weeks, I have done two different strength workouts that are NOT my beloved Body Pump class.
I did CrossFit three times I thought I might die from this 16 minute workout. Seriously. I hurt in places that I didn’t even know I could hurt. It was the shortest workout I have ever done that resulted in some serious soreness! CrossFit deserves an entire post unto itself. I was quite skeptical prior to the class. I thought- how hard can 16 minutes be? Um yeah, it kicked my boo-tay and I loved it.
I also did a combination speedwork treadmill workout in conjunction with some strength training (a workout I found in the book Run Like a Mother- I adore this book, go buy it now!). Basically, I did a warm-up run on the treadmill, then alternated running FAST for 1/4 mile, then doing a set of strength/core exercises, repeat. It is hours later since I did this workout and my entire body hurts, in a good way.
I have been reminded once again how important it is to change up the routine, to give my muscles new life and a new way to grow themselves, to get around the dreaded plateau.
Now, I challenge YOU to change it up. If you’ve been doing the same workout daily or on a weekly basis, change something up within that routine. If you aren’t working out at all, then change up that routine and do *something*. Your body will thank you, and so will your spirit and soul.
Hit me up in the comments- tell me how you are going to *change it up*. Don’t make me call you out!
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