4 Things You Must Have in Every Exercise Program

Listen up past, present and future exercisers. There are some very important details that often get overlooked when individuals train and workout. As a matter of fact, these details are often the reasons people see lack of results, hit a plateau or just plain give up on their workout plans.

There is nothing more personally frustrating for me than watching an individual stop exercising because of lack of results. Exercise works for everybody no matter who you are, what you do or what you are willing to do. It works even better when you include the following details:

1. Variety- include different exercises, set/rep/rest period protocols, cross train and be sure to change your workout plan at least every 4-6 weeks to keep seeing progress. Hire a trainer to keep you fresh, advance your skill level and support you to your fitness goals.

2. Challenge Yourself- exercise needs to make you feel like you are doing something above your normal level of activity or current level of fitness. If you still do the same workout- time/duration, intensity level, frequency and never challenge yourself you will stay in one big PLATEAU. Hey, if that’s your goal then keep doing it, but if you want change you must CHALLENGE that body of yours (see #1)

3. Include Hell-Bent Workouts- 1-2 vigorous workouts per week are recommended and a must if you want quick results. At least once per week push yourself beyond your highest level of effort. Examples might include: adding 1 minute sprints to your 30 minute run, plyometric training, speed and agility drills, increasing resistance on your strength exercises. The goal is to push beyond your comfort zone to improve performance and torch more calories not only during your workouts, but also post workout. Trust me on this one…it works phenomenally. Just ask anyone who’s taken an 8 week Boot Camp.

4. Consistency- this is the most important variable. One workout will not yield results if you’ve been inactive for years or haven’t seen the weight room since college. You “don’t use it, you lose it!” Consistency is key to achieving good results. It will take the average person at least 4-6 weeks to see some of their hard work pay off. Even then, results will vary based off of individual efforts, genetics, physical abilities and motivation levels. Don’t give up because you’ve worked out 3 times and see no results..if I did I wouldn’t be here blogging about what a great thing exercise is!

Take into account we are all different beings with different levels of strength, flexibility, power and core strength. Using a program that is put together just for you and progresses properly will yield amazing results and leave you feeling incredible. Include the “musts” and watch those great results transpire!

Walking the Talk- Amy

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