Train your weaknesses

Everybody has their favourite routine to take with them to the gym. One that is regularly practiced to remove the daunting task of inventing something new after a long day. But it is the days when you trial something a little different, that really make the difference to your fitness. Studies have proven that workouts in which your body is challenged in new ways are far more beneficial than sticking to the same thing. The easiest way to prevent this plateau is to remember the F.I.T.T training principle:

• F – FREQUENCY
• I – INTENSITY
• T - TIME
• T – TYPE

Implement a tweak to one of the above areas during your weekly regime. For example introduce a new ‘type’ by trying out a new exercise class, or increase the ‘intensity’ by adding a few sprints into your 5km jog. 

Understandably, there are certain exercises that like to be avoided (burpees being a very good example!) and others that are favoured. No matter what your fitness goal is, whether it be to build muscle, stamina or just simply to feel good, it is important to maintain a balance in the exercises you choose. Working only the muscle groups you want to, will cause an imbalance in your body that can lead to stiffness and lack of flexibility.

The same advice applies to when you are stretching. Try to incorporate a variety of stretches into your warm up and cool down sessions. Don’t stop just because it hurts! In fact the moment you feel the tightness of your muscle, that is when the stretch is actually doing what it is supposed to do! When you are tight the next day, you haven’t stretched enough!

To encourage you to mix up your workout, make the most of the obstacles that get in your way. If your car goes in for a service and you need a form of transport, try cycling where you need to go, perhaps your gym is closed or someone is using the equipment you want, take your exercise outside and try some body weight exercises – there are tons of opportunities for you to try something new!