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Boredom with your routine quickly leads to shorter and shorter workouts, and then before you know it you’re skipping the gym altogether.
While it’s common knowledge that the most effective exercise routines aren’t routine at all, most of us stumble through the same exercises every time we hit the gym. And then we wonder why our results are lackluster.
In order to really see results your routine must continuously change and challenge your muscles in new ways. Here are 5 ways to refresh your existing workout routine in order to see quicker and more dramatic results…
Refresh #1: Circuit Training
The days of doing single sets of each exercise are over, now it’s all about circuit training. Increase your workout intensity by creating a circuit with 4 exercises and moving quickly between each one. Circuits will keep your heart rate up for longer periods at a time and will force your muscles to work double time.
Always choose different exercises to be included in your circuit, to really keep up the intensity and the challenge. Also vary the resistance and increase the load at each session.
Refresh #2: Go Heavier
Most of us grab the same weights each time that we exercise, simply out of habit. Unfortunately this is one habit that is seriously hindering your results. Next time that you reach for a set of dumbbells grab heavier ones. This will force you to do fewer repetitions, and will challenge your muscles with greater intensity.
Always use a spotter when using a heavier weight than you’re used to.
Refresh #3: One Side at a Time
Do you find yourself doing presses, curls, raises and squats with both arms/legs at the same time? Increase the challenge and focus by singling out each arm and leg alone. Focus all of your effort and concentration on that single movement and be sure to increase the weight as you’re able.
Have you tried single legged squats lately? The act of using one leg forces all of your core stabilizing muscles to pitch in. Start without any weight at all, simply focus on your form and range of motion. You’ll be surprised how sore you feel the next day!
Refresh #4: Pump Up Music
Do you have a personal exercise playlist? This is a quick way to instantly add some pep to your workout. Spend time selecting each song to add to the playlist. These songs should be ones that get your toes tapping and get you in the mood to move. Songs with a strong beat are always a good choice.
Make your playlist long enough to cover your entire workout time. It’s great to have fun, upbeat songs without any repeats. Unless you have a specific song that really gets you going – in that case play it on repeat!
Refresh #5: Know Yourself
Are you highly competitive? Then the best way to push yourself during your next workout is to exercise with someone who is in a little better shape than you. You’ll spend the workout pushing yourself to new heights.
Are you happiest in nature? Then move your workout to the great outdoors. Find a new and challenging outdoor activity to immerse yourself in.
Are you a social person? Then structure your workouts around a group of likeminded, fit individuals. Don’t try to go at it alone.
Tap into that unique part of yourself that make you tick and cater your workout time in a way that best suits your needs. You’ll be happier with your results and you’ll be more likely to stick with it for a longer period of time.
Use these quick and effective workout refreshers in your routine to instantly see improved results. Don’t forget to change things up often, and to always keep your muscles guessing.
If designing and redesigning your workouts doesn’t sound like something you want to spend time figuring out, don’t sweat it, let me do the work for you. My programs are specially designed to blast fat and to build muscle in all the right places.
And you’ll never get bored or do the same routine twice when you’re working out with me!
Call or email me today to get started on a fat loss program that really works.
Holiday-Proof Fat Loss Tips
Don’t deprive: Skipping meals in order to make up for holiday indulgences will only cause you to make more regrettable decisions. Follow up a day of indulgence with small sensible meals centered around protein and fiber.
Exercise time: Don’t skip your workouts during busy holiday weeks. You’ll benefit more than ever from the stress relief and metabolism boost that a good workout delivers.
Share Healthy: Bring a healthy dish to your next holiday party and be sure to fill your plate with it. This is a great way to make sure that you’ll have a healthy option, and you’ll also share good health with your friends and family.
Drink Low Calorie: High calorie drinks are everywhere during the holidays, and these beverages are the easiest way to pack on the pounds. Be extra cautious with your drink order, stick with low calorie options and always drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink.
Festive Turkey Burgers
Can’t get enough of those holiday dinner flavors? Then you’ll love these Festive Turkey Burger patties! No need for a bun, just a dollop of cranberry sauce and it’s good to go – protein style. Wrap in a large lettuce leaf if you’d like. Servings: 6
Here’s what you need…
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 small green apple, minced
Sea salt and black peppera
1/3 cup blanched almond flour
1 lb ground turkey
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 egg
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Cranberry Sauce
1. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coconut oil, onion, celery and apple. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender. Stir in the almond flour, transfer to a medium bowl.
2. Mix in the turkey, poultry seasoning, parsley, Dijon and egg. Form 6 patties.
3. Wipe out the skillet, add the olive oil and cook the patties over medium-high heat for 12 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve with a dollop of cranberry sauce. Enjoy!
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 345 calories, 26g fat, 571mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 16g protein.
– Jeff Libengood,
