So, you have managed to maintain a regular fitness routine. That is good. However, have you noticed any changes in your body? Are you no longer seeing results from your hard work? Maybe it is time you changed your workouts. Whether you want to increase muscle mass, lose weight, or improve your endurance, you will notice changes once you try some alterations to your routine.

Boring weight-lifting routines.

If you are still following 1980 as aerobics videos on your old VHS player, or if you have been doing the same exercises since you graduated from college, then it is time to replace your routine. Muscles adjust to any given exercise. Therefore, it is important to regularly change your exercise routine. Try these pointers instead:

Increase your weight size.

Increase the number of reps and or increase the number of sets.

Change the exercises altogether.

Alternate between heavy weight weeks and light weight weeks.

Try 1-2 minute cardiovascular exercises or plyometrics in between sets of weight training.

Over-crunching.

Ever wonder why your gut still is not flat despite 500 crunches everyday? Maybe it is because you are not doing the right exercise for your gut. Crunches work your rectus abdominus only. This is only one pair of your 12 abdominal muscles. In order for you to reduce your gut, you will need to get rid of the fat that wraps around your abdominal muscles. A change in your diet and an increase in cardiovascular activity will do just that. You can, however, tighten all the muscles in your abdomen (this includes the external and internal obliques and your transverse abdominus) by attempting a variety of core exercises: yoga, Pilates, and exercises that require the use of balancing boards, Bozu or stability balls.

Aerobics queen.

Aerobic exercise is vital in keeping your heart, blood vessels and lungs healthy. You also need it to burn calories. However, cardio is just one part of a well-rounded fitness routine. You need strength training and stretching as well. Do not forget that good nutrition and cutting down on your calorie intake (if your are overweight) is a big part of your overall health too.

Are you rushing through your workouts?

You are allowing momentum to take over when you race through your weight-training reps. You need to use muscle power to get the greatest benefits of strength training. Try stressing the muscles to the point of fatigue. Concentrate on lifting and lowering the weights with steady motion. Take your time. Think about the muscle behind every movement that you perform and make sure that you feel that muscle relax and contract.

Depending on your workout exclusively.

If you vegitate all day long, and rely only on your workout to burn calories, then you are missing out on all the opportunities to improve your fitness and health. Make small changes to incorporate being in shape all day long. Here are some examples:

Park your car in the farthest parking space from work.

Take the stairs, not the elevator.

Become inefficient in doing chores. For example, instead of carrying grocery bags all at once into the house, take one bag at a time.

Not enough rest and relaxation

When you undergo the stress of physical exercise, your body adjusts and becomes more efficient. It is just like learning a new skill. At first it is difficult, but with practice, it becomes second nature. There are, however, limits to how much stress your body can take before it breaks down and risk injury. Relax and rest before stressing it out again. Getting about 8-9 hours a day of sleep. Also, wait about 24 hours between light training days or 48 hours during heavy training days.

Rochester Health and Fitness Center, Certified Personal Trainers of Rochester and Rochester Group Exercise Programs provide their members quality service in fitness and health.