How to get the Most out of your Body Part 2

Try new things

It’s also important to note that different types of workouts produce different kinds of body shapes and endurance because they work with different energy systems and muscles. The difference in appearance in someone who swims, dances, sprints, and does long-distance running is evidence of this. Think about those who body build in comparison to those who do a lot of HIIT workouts –High-intensity interval training. The difference is in how these workouts affect the body, use energy, build muscle and inhibit or promote fat storage. My go-to is sprint workouts. Longer sprint workouts or shorter sprint workouts but I enjoy mobility training, strength training through bodyweight and weight lifting workouts and flexibility training.

Each type of training gives me something new. I did a lot of Winsor pilates when I stopped competing in track. Building endurance in different ways is beneficial.  My suggestion is to try new things every couple of weeks or add another layer into your workouts to experiment and to give your body a chance to train in a new way. You will build new muscle and challenge yourself. Don’t assume you can’t do something. Give it a try and keep practicing until you get it. Each time you start a new form of training it might feel like you’re starting from scratch and you might wonder if you are even in shape at all! You could even use your workout time to incorporate several types of training all at the same time as well. Most athletes don’t just do their sport to stay in shape. For instance someone who does track will do olympic lifts, plyometric exercises and spend large amounts of time training agility, mobility and get in cardio focused days. As long as you are consistent you will reap the benefits.

Excuses

We all make excuses for our lack of commitment, comparison can make us believe that time is the issue or we just weren’t built for exercise or that others have the genetics that make things easier for them. While it’s true that genetics can play a role in the timing of results or the kind of results, it still takes large effort and those that may have the genetics to build muscle faster may also have to do harder work that someone else would not have to do to get further in their goals.

Some people have the disposition to not be afraid of pain while others cringe at the thought of a workout. Some people like to push themselves while others need to be coaxed. The point is we are all different and so you need to focus on what works for you and you can’t do that if you are focused on excuses. You need to come up with solutions and hold yourself accountable.

Also realize that someone starting to exercise might see slower results then someone returning to exercise.  Active children and teens who start early have built up kinetic intelligence and muscle memory that will be a benefit to them in the future. The earlier you start the better because the effects of exercise compound over time in your body. But even someone who starts working out late in life can reap numerous benefits and be further along in health then someone who exercised early in life and then quit. Why wait till later in life when it might be more challenging because of other ailments if you can start today?

To be continued