Signs to Shake up Your Training
As creatures of habit, it is easy to fall into the loop of doing the same things every day/week. However, sometimes our bodies tell us it is time for a change, and we don't recognize the signs. Here are four indicators it is time for you to change your training program!
You have stopped making progress
This one is the most obvious: if our body has stopped responding to what we are doing, chances are we need to change what we're doing. Many of us have been there before, picking up the same pair of dumbbells, doing the same amount of repetitions, and being unable to do more than we have in the past month. If this happens to you, it is the clearest sign that it's time for a change!
You are BORED
This is more personal reasoning, but still a significant sign. Exercising should be a FUN and ENJOYABLE time. Suppose you dread your workout, trying to get it over with as soon as possible, or even resorting to SKIPPING your workouts. In that case, you need a new exercise regimen. However, you should have an exercise plan you follow for at least 4-6 weeks before changing everything up again. "Workout hopping" won't help you grow.
You Feel Weak or Groggy
Just as changing workouts too frequently can halt progress, so can sticking to something too long. If our workout program is intense on the body and continues for months without any *deload* or change in programming, the body becomes exhausted. This sign is labeled "overtraining," which can eventually lead to injury. Pedal to the metal isn't always the pace to go. Your body feeling weak or fatigued is a clear indicator you may be due for scaling back.
Your GOALS have changed
For some, goals are seasonal, and for others, goals are specific achievements. In some cases, life instances may change a priority in training goals. Either way, exercise allows us to change our interests or desires. If that is you, you don't need to be stuck with the same training style just because it is what you've done before. These changes may occur from the five-time-a-week bodybuilding lover who enjoys the strictness of the lifestyle; to a three-time-a-week parent who enjoys full-body workouts and the freedom they give to spend time with their child. Either way, goals change, life changes, and it is okay for your training to change; it should.
Exercise should be fun. Exercise should push us forward. Exercise is a reward for your body and mind. So make sure you treat it that way with the perfect balance of consistency and variety in your workout regimen.
