Are you thinking I’m nuts? Although you are certainly right about that most of the time, in this instance, I’m totally not! This is the deal about basically, every fitness program out there; whatever, you are doing, your body will acclimate and then “plateau” or stop changing. If you want to continue your exact same exercise routine then eventually, the only way you’ll see change is if you change your nutrition.
Ok, let’s break this down….
If you go running and run a mile everyday for a week. You’ll initially see change. Likely you’ll start to feel more energy and depending on your nutrition, you may even lose a bit of weight. However, if you do exactly that for 3 weeks and change nothing…most likely, you won’t lose a pound or feel any difference or change after week 1. It’s possible, you may even revert back to your old energy level.
Take that same distance and run a different route on different terrain, you’ll find much better success.
At least for a while. Your body will become accustom to even that. It’ll know, “oh, it’s the Monday route”
What you want to do is do something different all the time. Sometimes, run a shorter distance, other times run a long way. Also, don’t just run. Switch your workouts as well as the duration of them. Constantly varying your exercise routine will successfully confuse your body. By doing that, your body will keep itself in a “I’m ready for whatever you’re gonna throw at me” state. This is where you want your body to be. It’s conducive to getting the best from your body and your active life.
Another aspect….
Here’s the next BIG piece of the puzzle
What are you eating? You can exercise in a constantly varied manor and you’ll still not reach your full potential unless you pay close attention to your nutrition.
I don’t need to tell you there are A LOT of diets out there. Everyone’s goal should be to follow a clean, whole foods, nutritious way of eating. One of the most popular diets that follows that is “Paleo” eating or “The Caveman Diet”.
This said, every body is different and needs different things to keep itself in tip top health. Finding out what YOUR body needs will take some trial and error. You’re options are shooting in the dark to find out where your nutritionally deficient and fixing it or you can find a “Health Coach”. Health Coaches have gone through extensive training and know how to find out where people need to make changes not only nutritionally but, in every aspect of their lives to help them live their best life. Here’s a link to one I know and love Sandra Brougher You don’t have to be local to your Health Coach.
**BOTTOM LINE**
You being healthy is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing in your life. Without your health you can’t, be the awesome parent, friend, family member, coach, employee, student…etc…etc…There is no aspect of your life that won’t be better if you’re healthy.
***YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!***
There are people all around you; professionals, friends, family members, acquaintances that have this knowledge and want to help you find your best health. JUST GO ASK!!!! I’m/we’re waiting for your call/text/email! 😉
***Thank you to Google Images and their partners for the images in this post***
Great post Molly. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Many a day (especially this morning) I feel like your second runner, but it is all worth it in the end.
Thanks for the reminder to stay active and healthy.
Every day is different some are bound to be the 2nd runner dude but, then there’s those days where you’re totally rockin’ it and at the end you know you’ve done your body good!! You’re a fantastic health coach and earn any kind words by the awesome work you do. xoxo
Thanks for the reminder to vary it up. Sometimes it seems like running further would be better when in fact running not at all but rollerblading or skipping or swimming would be better. I always figure if the workout is extending in length but the results aren’t, time to shake it up!
So right your are Shanny!! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
What a great post!!! Sure wish I could could afford a butt whooping from you and your sis!! Until then, I’ll do the best I can with the resources I have!! Just working on being more regular about it! As always I also follow you, you’re always so full of great advice and info!! This was a great post!! Thanks!! 😉
aaawwwweeee Lisa!! Thanks so much!! I’m glad I can share info with you and you enjoy it. Contact me anytime with questions about anything. If you’re looking for workout ideas you can always see what’s posted on Crossfit Georgetown’s FB page. 🙂 love ya!
Good stuff, Molly!
Thanks Karen! 🙂
Great tips – thanks!
Thanks for stopping by Julie! I love to give out great tips…..or at least I hope they’re usually great 😉
Wow, this couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for me as I’m heading back to the gym for cardio and was looking for a new “routine,” what a nice surprise knowing I on’t need a routine. I just have to make sure to get in there.
Indeed Rachel! I’m so glad you read the post before heading to your gym. Mixing it up will give you better results and save you from boredom! Win!! Win!!! 🙂
Not surprisingly, I agree 100%! haha Mix it up. Routine is the enemy BUT habits are your friend! 🙂 Good stuff, Molly.
Thanks Ging!! ❤
As a personal trainer I sang the variety song for so many years. This is a great post and should be printed off and pinned to every fridge on the planet. Great stuff.
Wow Prudence! Thank you so much for the compliment! I hope to be an awesome trainer and blogger. Today, you’ve made me feel like I’m on the way to both 🙂
I thank you for the reminder Molly to change our routine. We sometimes don’t think about this. And while it is good for us, it will keep us from getting bored too. I also like the way to brought nutrition into the picture. Thanks Molly for this awesome post. 🙂
Thanks Karen!! I’m glad you liked it!!! 🙂
Right on girl! I call it muscle confusion. 😉 My girlfriend keeps asking me why she doesn’t lose weight when she works out every day and I am always telling her it comes down to what and how much she eats. Thank you for this post. Very smart.
Thanks, Molly. I try to vary distances and speeds every run. I eat well, but I could do better. Your post showed me I’m in the right path. Thanks!
I love what you said about finding what works best for us. Inspiring post!
[…] gets used to the same workout and will stop responding to it. To read more on this, read this post . Working out at the same time of day isn’t that big of a deal. Most people have no choice […]