Switch Up Your Workout

How often do you switch up your workout? Do you cross train? I'd say that I cross train, but I'm a creature of habit. I like to run (I'm fast as a turtle) and do harder workouts like Insanity Max 30, T-25 and other circuit workouts. It's sort of funny that I seem to be able to pick up harder things, but it's the simple stuff I have a hard time with.

I like to push myself during my workout. I feel like if I didn't sweat

(and when I say sweat I mean melt) then I must not have worked out hard enough. I really hit my stride a few months ago and I was really able to push myself during my workouts. Then...plagued with injury. It's so frustrating. I want to go, but my body says STOP and I'm not healing.

Then...I think I had the moment of clarity. I'm going to move away from doing workouts with a lot of impact (jumping kills me and flares up my injury). I'm going to focus on building my strength. My doctor told me that strengthening my quads would help my knees. Let's hope so. Yes I'll still do Insanity and circuits and run, but not as much. I'm going to lift some and maybe do some Pilates or yoga.

It's been a  while since I've changed things up and I'm hoping this will help me.What have you done to change up work workouts? Has it worked?

What's your FAVORITE type of workout?

We all like to do certain things. What's your FAVORITE type of workout? For me, the harder the better. I like to CHALLENGE myself.

I like when the instructor shows you what you are supposed to be doing, I think I can't do it and then I somehow convince my body to get it done. I especially HATE when I can't do something. For example, I haven't jumped rope in years. One of the trainers I work with does a lot of jump rope. I was getting so frustrated  because I felt like I was stopping every few seconds and it was killing my workout. My solution, get a jump rope and jump for 10 minutes everyday until I got back on track. I'm still not the best at it, but at least I am doing better.

Mixing up my workout is important too. Sometimes I run, other days I do Insanity Max 30, or T-25, and sometimes I create my own circuit. Everyday I try to get in 1-2 workouts. It's time for me to get sweaty and clear my mind.

My favorite way to clear my mind is to run. Once the weather breaks it's hard for me not to run all the time. I LOVE getting outside and enjoying nice days. I don't run too much, maybe 3 miles a day. Yet, the nice weather practically calls my name. Some days I'll do 6 miles in a day (3 in the morning and 3 at night). Although, when I do this I tend to get chin splints. My body just doesn't like to run as much as I do.

Whatever the workout is my goal is to work hard. I like the way I feel at the end of an AWESOME workout. I enjoy feeling healthy and fit.

Exercise as a Stress Reliever

Lately I have found that I have a lot on my mind. My family has experienced a very emotional loss and at the same time I have been dealing with my own stressors. What do you do to deal with your stress? I WORK OUT! For me, it's RADIO ON...WORLD OFF!

I find running to be the best way to clear my mind.

I turn my radio on loud and GO. Last week I ran 31 miles. This does not include judo, Insanity or other classes I take at the gym. For me, 31 miles is a little excessive, but I did it for my sanity. This is my time to think my day through or daydream about nothing important. I get my workout in. The harder I workout the better I feel when I'm done. I may start out agitated or frustrated. A hard workout where I am able to push myself leaves me with a clear mind and more level head.

Eating right also has a huge impact on how I feel. When I eat bad I feel bad and bloated. When I eat well I feel so much better and so much better about myself.

Exercising is the best way for me to start and end my day. Mind, body and spirit is very important. You need to find a way to balance these out. For me it's exercise. For you it might be something else.