Push through Plateaus and Beat Workout Boredom!

Do you feel stuck in a rut with your workouts ? Are you bored to tears with your current routine? Do you feel like you’ve hit a plateau….that you’ve stopped seeing results from your training???
If any of those questions hit home, then you, your body, and your workouts are in desperate need of some variety and a change of pace!!! One of the best ways to push through plateaus and to keep your workouts fresh is to simply switch things up.
What I mean by that is - start manipulating a couple of different variables in your program – such as the number of sets, repetitions, and the tempo (the speed of your repetitions) and you will not only revive your routine, but you will also revitalize your muscles by giving them much needed, new challenges which they will have to grow and adapt to.
For example: to keep your biceps “guessing” when performing a traditional set of biceps curls with free weights - try changing your typical 2 to 3 sets with 8 to 12 repetitions to 2 sets with 12 to 15 repetitions using a lighter weight one day a week and curling the weight on a count of 2 seconds and releasing the weight a count of 4 seconds. On your next workout, try completing 3 sets of biceps curls, but this time with 6 to 8 reps each set and with heavier weight. To further “trick your muscles” play with the tempo again by curling on a count of 1 and releasing the contraction for a count of 4 seconds this time. That is just one example, and by using your own creativity with sets, repetitions and tempo your workout options are endless!!!
To further “shock your system” and stir up your workouts so to speak, try switching the exercises you typically do for a particular muscle group. For instance, if you are used to doing a bench press to work your chest, switch to flat pushups on one strength training session during the week, then on your next session try doing chest flys with free weights or a military press while sitting on a stability ball.
By introducing new exercises, different sets, repetitions and tempos into your routine you will break workout boredom, and conquer plateaus in no time!!!