Changes, Progress & Plateaus

For the 10+ years I've been a fitness instructor, the most common subject my clients want to talk about is what type of exercise will provide the best benefits and results. Are heavy or light weights better? What about moving slow versus fast? Cycling or running? HIIT? Pilates or yoga? What's the magic formula?!

My answer however, is usually a redirect to talk about a more relevant factor... the value of variety and changing things up. THAT is what makes the difference between progress and plateaus.

Our bodies are designed to adapt to stressors. Physically and mentally. So after doing a given workout for a while, especially one with repetitive moments or the same 'routine,' we stop seeing any physical changes from these workouts. It's important to know, that doesn't mean the workout isn't benefitting you! Simply put, it means you're in more of a maintenance mode. So if one of your goals is to make specific changes in your physical health, abilities or appearance, you'll have to make a point to change up your workout routine. The changes don't have to be huge though. A little goes a long way.

One of the ways we try to help you with this at freehouse, is by slightly changing our schedule a little every so often. Because we offer lots of workout variety, many clients don't get a chance to take all of our classes on a regular basis. So changing our schedule can help give you access to a class you previously couldn't take and that is instantly beneficial for your body. It can also be helpful to experience a different instructor teaching a class you regularly take because a new teacher can have a unique style or skill set that pushes you in a new way!

For example: If you regularly take High Flyer because you love the nonstop cardio, but then you change to Top Guns or All Star, your body is now going to experience a new challenge that comes from the interval workout style, pushing you to sculpt, balance, lunge or lift in between rounds of jumping. No matter how fit your body is from taking tons of High Flyer classes, Top Guns or All Star will be challenging in a new way and help you experience progress! Or if you used to take Top Guns with Maggie and High Flyer with Amanda, and now you take Top Guns with Sylvia and High Flyer with Erica, these class experiences will be slightly different, and that will make a difference!

So the goal is to maintain balance between doing the workouts that you personally love most, while still having a good amount of variety in your weekly workout routine and not getting stale from doing the exact same classes for months on end. Mix it up! I promise, it's good for you. And ultimately, that is 110% what my team and I are here to offer you... things that are good for you :)

So enjoy and embrace the occasional class change, and go pursue a different workout or teacher once in a while to experience something new. It will pay off!

See you at the studio!
Dana