If you’ve made it this far and still sticking with your resolution to get in shape, congratulations! By this time of the year, many people have fallen back into their old habits and started to use their home exercise equipment for everything but working out. While it’s great that you are hanging in there, now is a good time to evaluate how things are going and possibly make some changes. Here are some signs that this is the month you need to take your efforts to the next level.
Your Routine Has Gotten Easy
You still enjoy the routine but it does seem that it takes less effort to get all the way through the workout. The good news is that your investment in the fitness equipment is paying off in terms of helping you build stamina and tone those muscles. What you need to think about now is making some changes and ensure your workout is challenging you once again.
Maybe you have been focusing on resistance training but not a lot on aerobics? Consider the idea of checking out some different mats for fitness and adding 15 minutes or so of aerobics to your routine. You can find plenty of routines and even create your own digital music set for the workout.
Assuming your workout is already well-rounded, increase the weights, add more repetitions, and otherwise push the limits of what you are currently doing. Even adding another five to ten repetitions to each exercise will be enough to make you sweat a little more and build more muscle mass.
Exploring What Else Your Equipment Can Do
When you purchased the equipment, it was so you could add certain exercises to your routine. Do you really know everything that can be done with a fitness bench? The best fitness benches come with enough features to make them a versatile asset in your home gym. Dig out the booklet that came with the bench and try using it for some different stretches, lifts, and other types of exercises. The variety will do you good.
Take on a Workout Partner
You’ve gotten this far on your own, but wouldn’t it be better to have someone to work out with? With all the equipment in place, why not invite a friend to come over and use the machines, weights, and benches too? Along with having someone to talk to while you work out, there’s the fun of encouraging each other to do just one more repetition and reaching for that new record.
Remember that you have accomplished a great deal already. Now is not the time to lose your momentum. If your workout is getting a little stale and predictable, it’s time to mix things up a bit. Add something new to the routine, increase the repetitions, and bring in someone who can provide a little conversation and competition. With these small changes, you will continue along the path to better health and have a lot of fun doing it.
