Mix it Up, Stay Motivated
Variety... the Spice of Exercise!
A study by the University of Florida at Gainesville found that doing the same form of exercise repetitiously greatly increases your chances of giving up altogether.
Blame it on sheer boredom: "It gets monotonous if you're doing the same thing over and over," says assistant professor, Christopher Janelle.
Janelle says adding some variety to your exercise program will keep you motivated. "If you vary the routine, there's a significant increase in enjoyment that leads to greater adherence."
The Study
One study group varied their exercise; another group performed the same exercise at each workout; a third group followed no regulations.
Out of the 52 participants who had dropped out by the end of the study, more of them had participated in the non-varying group than the other two.
According to Janelle, "There were significantly fewer individuals in the variable group that dropped out."
The variable group also found exercise to be 20 percent more enjoyable than the members of the second group and 45 percent more enjoyable than the no-rules group.
Mix it Up to Stay Motivated
It's very easy for exercise newbies to get stuck in a rut, so it's crucial to be willing to try new things from the very start.
As long as you've got your doctor's approval, don't hesitate to try something new.
It's like one of Mom's favorite questions: "How will you know if you like it or not if you never try it?" Of course, she was talking about Brussels sprouts, but, thanks to this study's findings, we know it applies to exercise, too!
Do What You Like
The key word in Janelle's theory is enjoyment. When you first begin to work out, it's a vulnerable time. You have some weight to lose and moving isn't always easy when you're carrying extra pounds. It's all too easy to give up.
But by trying more than one type of exercise, you will find a few that you truly look forward to (I promise!). Then, keep mixing it up with those you like (you can't force yourself to keep doing something you don't enjoy).
In the end, your willingness to try new things will pay off in dedication ... which pays off in pounds lost!
excert from about.com |