4 Ways to Switch up Your Routine in 2018

Another year is gone and chances are your workouts and diet are starting to become as predictable as the January gym rush. You need variety in everything that you do so that your body doesn’t plateau and so that you don’t become bored with your regimine. The more boring it is, the easier it will become for you to deviate from your routine and cheat on your diet. Let’s start off 2018 by mixing it up a bit and shocking your body and your mind.

1. We know the gyms are packed this month with all of the new comers who have the same mindset as you do. To avoid the late afternoon rush, try changing your regular gym schedule and go early in the morning or late at night. Most gyms are going to a 24 hour format and you will find solace in working out at 5am or 9pm and having the gym to yourself. Having the workout done prior to the work day will leave your evenings free and going late at night will also free you up after work and allow you to be well rested in the mornings.
2. Another way to avoid gym plateaus and boredom is to try a new workout. If you usually lift heavy weights and don’t circuit train, try a crossfit workout. Switching up to the higher reps and circuit style training of crossfit could shock your body and give you the results you’ve been looking for. Try incorporating more cardio into your routine such as running or cycling. If you don’t own a bike many gyms offer cycling classes and they will set your legs and calories on fire. Yoga is another option at most gyms and it’s a great way to relax and learn how to control your body.
3. Try a new diet this year. Not that there’s anything wrong with chicken and broccoli but, changing up your diet can stop the monotony and lead to better results. The more variety you have the less likely you are to cheat due to boredom. There are hundreds of diets available that offer different foods, new ways of preparing them and different rules of eating times and marco intakes. Intermittent dieting may fit into your schedule better as this style of dieting gives a 7 or 8 hour window to eat all of your calories for the day. A Paleo diet may introduce you to new foods that you haven’t thought about eating before and take away some of the foods you’re bored of. Give a vegetarian diet a try and discover new sources of protein and cleanse your body. The most popular diet of last year was definitely the Keto diet. This diet will allow you to eat foods with a higher clean fat content and less protein and carbs. It goes everything you’ve ever heard but, it is effective if used correctly. Any of these diets that you chose will give a better chance to succeed and keep you interested in your diet.
4. Set new, obtainable goals for yourself this year and when you meet them, set higher ones. Write the goals down. This makes them a goal, before you write them, it’s just a wish. This process will keep you from becoming stagnant in your fitness journey. Out do your PR lifts, drop body fat percentage, lose weight and gain muscle. You can’t expect different results without making changes. Take chances this year and switch things up to get the results you’ve been working for and smash your previous goals.