Do you ever get frustrated as to why you are not getting the results you think you deserve? Obviously, there are many variables to successfully changing your body composition but one of the most easily identifiable areas of concern is the intensity of your #workout.
Whether you have been working out for years, starting a new routine, or just coming out of the starting gate it is hard to push yourself out of the comfort zone.
Over the past 20 years as a personal trainer, I have noticed that one of the most common reasons clients give for hiring and retaining a trainer is not only to advise them in form and exercise selection but also to provide the extra motivation to increase the intensity of their workouts. People have a natural tendency to set limits for themselves and by doing so they unwittingly lower their #potential for progress.
Working out should be all about getting out of your comfort zone and pushing through your perceived limits. In general, we tend to stick with things that we are good at. #Exercise is no different. People have a tendency to choose a mode of exercise that they are naturally #skilled at.
We have all seen the #weightlifters that only lift, the #runners who only run, and the #cyclists who only do cycling. Although these individuals may be great at their chosen activity, they almost are always lacking in other aspects of fitness.
The take-home here is to incorporate exercises that encompass all aspects of fitness for a complete workout. Getting out of the comfort zone can be a worthy goal in and of itself. As a trainer, there is nothing better than watching someone achieve something they have never done before and gaining newfound confidence.
Whether it is getting your heart rate up a few more beats than usual, doing high reps as opposed to low reps, or just doing exercises that you never do may just be the stimulus needed to see further results. So, during your next workout ask yourself this question: Am I training outside of my comfort zone? Hopefully, the answer will be yes!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jon Greene is the wellness director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. Downtown Wellness Center YMCA.