Shake It Up

There may be a time when you fall off. When, no matter how consistent you have been, it is suddenly a struggle to get up and go. The enjoyment goes away, and the reasons to move are less convincing than the comfort that comes from the couch. I am not talking about a day here or a day there; I am talking about a stretch that lasts weeks or even months. Every day you take off makes your goals that much harder to achieve, and you know it. But that still does not provide the motivation to get going. When that happens, you will have found yourself in a rut.

We often limit our conception of what exercise can be, instead of looking at it simply as the opportunity to practice and improve. If a workout has become so routine that it can be done on auto-pilot, the benefits to your nervous system are greatly reduced. That is an acceptable trade-off if the pleasure derived from the routine keeps you on track. However, if you are not enjoying your practice, why stick with that particular workout?

You can continue on and hope that the feeling dissipates. It will, over time. If you are an exceptionally strong-willed individual, you may be able to keep it up and grind straight through. It will not be pleasant or fun, but it is doable. If you are not fortunate enough to be so strong-willed, your options are limited. If you believe what I believe, that movement is the key to health; then you cannot quit. So the only option that remains is to try something new and different.

New is not as easy as we would like. It takes introspection and a re-visitation of your goals and dreams. It might mean a different schedule, especially if you would like to try an activity that has a steep learning curve or special equipment. But that difficulty can reward you with a number of benefits. New movement patterns stimulate both the autonomous and central nervous systems, challenging your body to adapt and improve your brain's capability to control motor functions. These benefits are in addition to the excitement that comes from a new situation.

While any change will break up the monotony, the best additions to your practice are those that move you closer to either your immediate or distant goals. If you have a triathlon on your bucket-list, getting back in the pool helps build lean muscle and improves cardiovascular health, as well as helps with any toning or weight-loss goals. A rock-climbing class at a local gym puts you one step closer to the stunning view from the top of a mountain. Martial art improves confidence and works balance, agility, and explosive movement. Yoga improves flexibility, core strength, and proprioception. Either option provides insight into rich cultures and can connect you with like-minded individuals. So if you are having trouble maintaining the drive and intensity of your training, switch things up. Try something new and have a little fun. Your body will thank you for it.