Lift your training to another level in 2009!
It’s all too easy to go through the motions in your regular workout - 20 minutes on an evenly paced treadmill, 10 minutes on the rowing machine followed by some pilates moves… sound familiar? So it’s great if you’re exercising regularly (which is more than most) but if you’re performing the same workout routine over and over again, you’ll eventually reach a maximum fitness level – at which your body has fully adapted to the challenges of that specific routine. Once at this training ‘plateau’, it’s difficult to move your fitness to another level. Here are some tips to make your training more effective and lift you out of that plateau:
1. Fitness equipment - mix it up!
There’s so much more to exercise than a yoga mat and treadmill. Explore all that your gym has to offer, from medicine balls to resistance tubes, kettlebells and punchbags, all good gyms will have a range of fitness equipment on hand. Mixing up your workout with new equipment will challenge you with new movement patterns, utilising different muscle groups to take you beyond your normal routine.
2. Escape the gym - get fit in the fresh air!
There’s nothing like an outdoor workout to stimulate your senses and give you a psychological and physical boost. Head down to your favourite park for fresh air and great views, the change of scene will not only motivate you but challenge with different terrain and training opportunities. Try a park workout, including push-ups on a park bench, sprinting up-hill and interval training using trees as markers, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
3. Try your friend’s workout
For a simple way to mix-up your routine and learn new exercises, ask an active friend to lead you through their regular workout or join them in their favourite active hobby or sport, with the promise that you’ll offer the same to them in return. Work through your circle of friends and you’ll soon discover new ways to keep fit and have fun at the same time.
4. Hire a personal trainer
For an expert opinion and a complete analysis and re-design of your current fitness programme, recruit a personal trainer to tailor a bespoke health and fitness programme around your goals. Your trainer will know exactly how to lift you out of your training plateau safely and effectively, but most of all with workouts that are fun, invigorating and a definite break from the norm.
