Varying Your Approach to Fitness: Why Changing Your Workout Routine is Essential

Does this sound familiar to you?  Recently I have found myself a little less “firm” and my weight fluctuating a little more than usual.  I am not thrilled with this, especially since it’s now officially “Summer”.  I have been working out and eating consistently.  I know from years of practice, that when this happens, it’s time to change things up.  However, this did not occur to me until my daughter, who also practices my regimen, made a few suggestions.  She noted that my recent, very busy schedule, has led me to this point.  If you’ve seen any of my social media posts, you know that I have been fitting in cardio and weights at the same time, and I’ve focused a little more on cardio because I am able to multi-task on my indoor cycle, checking emails, making phone calls and more.

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This indoor bike is perfect for when I am “cycling” my fitness and food routines and focusing on cardio.  It is important, however, to keep a balance and rotate through periods focused more now weights, cardio and rest at different times. That said, it’s time for me to switch up nutrition a little bit and focus a more on my strength training while backing off the cardio for a bit.
I’ve been riding this cycle for over a year for my cardio, and in my usual routine, it’s ideal!  I ride for 20 - 30 minutes in the morning prior to breakfast.  I continue my day, with a breakfast balanced in carbs, protein, fiber and fat.   Eat a comparable lunch and workout with weights in the evening, followed by 5-10 minutes on the elliptical.  i then eat a small protein packed meal to support muscle.  I keep the cardio pretty light to maintain this muscle mass.  However, for the last few months I have bumped up the tension on my cycle for more of a leg workout and used my small dumbbells for arms while riding.  This is great for fat and weight-loss and a huge timesaver.   This sort of routine is ok for short term maintenance, but will result in the opposite of the desired effect if used for long periods of time. Currently, my body is telling me a change is necessary and my daughter confirmed my thoughts by reminding me that sometimes you need more cardio and less weights and other times you need more weights and less cardio, all depending on where you are and your current goals.  Read on if you would like to hear more.
Keep in mind that I am not a healthcare expert.  The information that I am sharing has come to me from various sources and has helped me, personally, over the years.  Everyone has different needs and it’s important to discuss any fitness routines with your own physician.  In the realm of physical fitness, there exists an intriguing paradox. While routine and consistency are often celebrated as the keys to success,  it is important to understand that adapting and evolving our workout routines is just as crucial. Today, I invite you to delve into fitness and discover why changing your workout routine periodically is essential for achieving optimal physical and mental well-being.  

1. Breaking Plateaus and Stimulating Growth

We must comprehend that our bodies are incredibly adaptable machines. When we consistently subject ourselves to the same workout routine, our muscles become accustomed to the repetitive stress and eventually reach a plateau. By embracing change, we introduce new challenges, shock our muscles into growth, and unlock previously untapped potential.
By incorporating varied exercises, adjusting intensity levels, or trying different training modalities, we provide our bodies with fresh stimuli, igniting new neural pathways, and encouraging further progress. Whether it's incorporating interval training, adding resistance exercises, or exploring new fitness classes, embracing change keeps our bodies continuously challenged and primed for growth.
This works both ways too.  Increasing workout intensity and decreasing from time to time.  Over the last few months I needed a “rest” so to speak.  My life has been hectic and my mind and body were exhausted.  Streamlining my exercise to involve less time and to incorporate a little more cardio and less heavy lifting worked perfectly for me ~ for a few months.  Doing this kept me in my routine.  This is a key piece of working out.  On occasions, stepping it down a little - taking a break - without completely stopping - will improve results of your workout routine.  However, being in tune with my body, I know a change is needed.  This happens when a consistent routine is established.  It is much easier to see a change and adjust accordingly.  I cannot stress enough, how being consistent and in tune, has truly helped me, especially now, dealing with menopause.  (If you would like more information about the workout plan that I have followed for the last several years, quite successfully, please leave me a comment or subscribe to my email list.  I am happy to share in more depth.)

1. Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Enhancement

Intelligence and mental acumen isn't solely confined to intellectual pursuits; it extends to physical endeavors as well. Regularly changing our workout routines not only benefits our bodies but also nourishes our minds. Engaging in new exercises and learning unfamiliar movements stimulates our cognitive abilities, enhances focus, and promotes neuroplasticity.
When we challenge ourselves mentally by learning complex exercise routines or mastering new skills, we activate various regions of the brain associated with memory, coordination, and problem-solving. This mental stimulation carries over into other aspects of our lives, improving our capacity for learning, creativity, and overall cognitive performance.  This is key for myself, as I have a family tendency to develop Alzheimer’s disease.  Longevity of my mind is equally important as the physical component. 

1. Preventing Boredom and Sustaining Motivation

One major issue for most of us in sustaining an exercise routine is the monotony. We, as humans, thrive on novelty and mental engagement. Unfortunately, following the same workout routine day in and day out can quickly become tedious, leading to a decline in motivation and even abandonment of the fitness journey.
By embracing change and injecting variety into our workouts, we keep boredom at bay and ensure sustained motivation. Exploring new exercises, workout formats, or fitness trends introduces an element of excitement, making each session an opportunity for discovery and growth. Renewed enthusiasm helps us remain committed to our fitness goals, even during challenging times.  Hence, my stressful few months and my changes in routine.  For me, seeing results is still key, however.  It doesn’t matter if it’s maintaining or building a little more muscle or reducing some of the mid-life cellulite.  I am not solely focused on looks, and I do believe we should all embrace our bodies and be comfortable in our own skin, but for me I like to be in shape, feel good and full of energy.  Again, I know my body and what makes me feel great.

1. Injury Prevention and Balanced Development

When it comes to physical fitness, it’s important with age to recognize the importance of balance. By continuously changing our workout routines, we reduce the risk of overuse injuries and promote overall muscular development.  This is critical, for longevity, especially if you are over the age of 50, like myself.
Repeating the same exercises or movement patterns excessively can place undue stress on specific muscle groups, joints, or tendons, increasing the likelihood of strain or injury. By incorporating a variety of exercises and alternating between different muscle groups, we ensure that all areas of our body receive attention and development. This balanced approach minimizes the risk of overuse injuries while fostering a well-rounded physique.  Cardiovascular fitness and strength training is probably more important over the age of 50 than any other time in our lives.  Incorporating these routines properly enhances our wellbeing and longevity. 

It is with these thoughts that I return to the workout routine I know and rely on.  This routine will bounce my body back into shape, quickly.  (Muscle memory helps in long term maintenance.)  In the pursuit of physical fitness, there exists the need for adaptability, mental stimulation, and sustained motivation. By periodically changing our workout routines, we unlock our body's true potential, overcome plateaus, stimulate cognitive growth, prevent boredom, and reduce the risk of injury. I encourage you to embrace this approach to fitness, and watch as your body and mind flourish in harmony. Remember, change is not only the spice of life but the secret ingredient for a truly successful fitness journey.

I’m Sheryl of SheDo50Too, a lifestyle blog about being over 50 and staying fit, healthy and fashionable.  My motto is a healthy, beautiful and vibrant life at any age.  Please Subscribe, like, and follow me if you want all of my inspiration and tips for life over 50.  I am an Amazon Associate and the fitness apparel, equipment, supplements and more, that I use - are available in my Amazon Storefront.   As an Amazon Associate I do earn commissions off of purchases through my links.  This has no effect on the cost to you.   I only share items that I use regularly and truly love.  You may experience different results from me.  I recommend that you speak with your own healthcare provider prior to incorporate my routines into your own.  Please get in touch with comments, questions and feedback.  i love to hear from my readers and I am happy to share more in depth tips if requested!

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