Getting into the habit of working out is hard enough, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you do the same workout all the time. Part of working out on a regular basis is finding new ways to challenge your body. Challenging your body is how you build strength, endurance, and muscle. Check out these five suggestions to help you vary your workout!
1. Start Doing Yoga
Yoga is one of the most underrated exercises you can incorporate into your routine. Yoga is an excellent way to get a full body workout while increasing your flexibility. Enhanced core strength is another benefit you’ll notice after a few weeks of yoga.
In addition to many physical advantages, yoga also has proven mental benefits. Yoga is an excellent way to release stress by stretching your muscles. One way to make yoga work for you is to do routines designed for your body. For example, if you suffer from hip and lower back tightness, find a yoga routine dedicated to hip flexibility. Customizing your yoga routine to your body helps you get excellent results.
2. Switch To Free Weights
If you enjoy hitting the machines, consider giving free weights a try. Free weights are an excellent way to improve your strength and balance at the same time. Incorporating free weights into your routine also exposes your body to natural weighted movements. Free weights allow you to mimic movements you use in everyday life which is useful for building strength.
Proper form is essential when working with free weights. Exercises with free weights help you engage more muscles while forcing you to use your core to balance your body. If you’re used to machines, you may have trouble stabilizing your body during free weighted squats and other exercises. Keep your form and balance in mind when starting out with free weights.
3. Don’t Overlook Balance Training
Balance is forgotten about too often when it comes to exercise. Maintaining your balance becomes significantly more difficult as you begin to age. Working on your balance from early on in your life reduces the risk of suffering an injury from a fall during your later years.
Yoga is an excellent way to improve your balance. Basic movements like standing on one leg help strengthen the stabilizing muscles in your leg. If you include regular yoga and core exercises, you’ll find it easier to maintain your balance as you start to age.
4. Do A Round Of Muay Thai Classes
Muay Thai is a fantastic way to challenge your body. Anyone can get into Muay Thai regardless of fitness level. One of the main benefits of Muay Thai is its ability to build your fundamental conditioning level. Muay Thai makes use of all your muscles groups by including all types of body weight exercises.
Muay Thai is also excellent for developing your abdominal muscles, muscles around the pelvis and your back. Having a strong core makes doing any physical activity much easier. As you practice your clinches, strikes and defensive movements, you’ll find your core strength will continue to grow stronger.
5. Diversify Your Cardio Routine
Cardio is an essential part of maintaining a strong, healthy body. If you stay disciplined with your cardio, you’ll notice benefits such as lower cholesterol and weight loss. However, it’s important you don’t fall into the habit of mastering a cardio routine and never switching it up. Variety in your cardio routine is necessary for consistent growth.
You’ll notice a significant improvement in your cardio by jumping rope on a regular basis. A lot of people also report great results from interval training. If you’re interested in building muscle while doing cardio, you can try rowing. Rowing uses your legs, arms, core, and back and is an excellent way to improve your stamina.
