In a rut? Make a new plan

Annette Herrick

Do you feel like you're in a bit of a rut? Is your performance or enthusiasm waning? Could this be because you're repeating the same routine over and over? Or that you're not paying that close of attention? Grinding it out, day in, day out. Just getting it done. Nothing more, nothing less.

When you always do the same thing your rate of improvement will plateau and so might your enthusiasm.

For instance, take someone who for the past three years has dutifully gone to the gym three times a week, walked on the treadmill for 45-minutes, and has not changed a thing about their routine since they began. They haven't raised the incline or the speed at all.

Have they really accomplished anything? While they may have burned 200-300 calories each time, they haven't improved at all over those three years.

Instead, during those 45-minute sessions, they could have enhanced their cardiovascular capacity, or their ability to handle more challenging work loads, by varying the intensity or the routine,

This kind of routine only leads to a limited scope, a bound reach. These people who replicate their work out make excuses and say no to opportunities that arise because they do not feel they are in shape. Had they been more mindful of their work out time during the passing years, they could jump at opportunities to take on athletic pursuits like skiing, hiking, triathlons, or bicycling through the countryside. Even badminton, volleyball, or tennis at parties, anything.

It's time to make some changes.

Think, right now at this very moment, what are you capable of doing? What would you like to be doing in three months? Six months? Nine months? 12 months?

Now, write out a plan that changes along with your improved fitness every three months. Then, journal in a notebook every single work out. If you do, you may surprise yourself and wonder, "What next?" and realize there is no end to the possibilities

Annette Herrick is a certified physical trainer and may be reached via annette@fitnessforvitality.com