Two Tips to Stay Consistent with Your Workout Routine Year-round
It happens every year. You commit to a new workout routine but fall off the bandwagon after a few weeks or months pass. But why is it so challenging to stick with a new fitness routine?
Most people quit due to one of two things: lack of progress and excessively redundant workouts. Let me share some strategies I teach my clients to help them overcome these challenges to succeed all year round.
I even provide a sample workout routine for you to try on your own (be sure to read until the end).
Tip #1: Add a variety of exercises for your chest, back, arms, legs, and core.
Exercise variety refers to changing specific aspects of an exercise to target the same muscle group or movement pattern. It involves using different variations of a particular exercise to stimulate the muscles similarly but differently.
For example, squats are an excellent way to strengthen the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. You can add a little variety by incorporating lunges, which target the same muscles differently.
Tip #2: Adjust exercise variability every few weeks/ months.
Exercise variability is a broader concept that involves incorporating a diverse range of exercises into a workout routine. Programming exercise variability helps to build strength and endurance through a diverse range of movements and activities.
For example, I recommend incorporating exercises for different muscle groups, such as squats, push-ups, lunges, or rows, to promote well-rounded strength and physique.
How to program exercise variety and variability:
Aim to strength train 2-3 days a week for an hour per training session.
Include a variety of push, pull, squat, lunge, hip hinge, and core exercises in every workout.
Switch up exercise variations every 6-8 weeks to keep your workout engaging and fun.
(Sample) Full-Body Strength Workout:
Perform the following exercises in order, resting for the prescribed rest duration. Rest 2-3 minutes between exercises.
Exercise #1: Barbell Deadlift
4 sets of 5-7 reps
Rest 3-5 minutes between sets
Exercise #2: Dumbbell Chest Press
4 sets of 6-8 reps
Rest 2-3 minutes between sets
Exercise #3: Kettlebell Goblet Squat
4 sets of 8-12 reps
Rest 2-3 minutes between sets
Exercise #4: Cable Seated Row
4 sets of 8-12 reps
Rest 2 minutes between sets
Exercise #5: Seated Russian Twist
3 sets of 15-30 reps
Rest 1-2 minutes between sets
