Challenge Yourself With Change

It is so easy to get stuck in our daily routine just because everything is familiar and comfortable. We don’t have to think about what we are doing, we just do it. This can go for anything we do, including our workouts. It becomes so easy to get up in the morning, go downstairs and get on that cross trainer or treadmill for 20 minutes.

When you’re working out by yourself it is easy to go light on the workouts, because no one is watching you or we come up with a million excuses to keep it light. And in the end we can say we workout for 20 minutes.

The bottom line is that if you want to see results; mentally, physically and emotionally you have to push yourself a little. Here are some ways you can challenge yourself:

 Use the talk test. In the middle of your workout, for example, if you are exercising for 20 minutes then between 7 and 10 minutes if you can tell someone a whole story then you need to increase your intensity. If you cannot say a word then you need to decrease your intensity. You should be able to say a few words here and there.

 Change it up and don’t always do the same thing every day. If you do the cross trainer every day, then try a jog/walk outside one day or put in a DVD and have someone else think for you as you follow along. Try cardio one day, weights one day and yoga another day.

 Find a buddy that you can workout with. You can go for walks or jogs together. If you just cannot find the time to meet up then purchase a set of DVD’s together, there are a number of programs out there. Each day, complete your workout then text your buddy, this will keep you both accountable. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a DVD, it can be any workout.

So the next time you workout remember to challenge yourself by changing your routine. Keep it fresh to avoid boredom and to see results.