Changing things up

I'll be the first to admit it...I'm difficult. I'm also a creature of habit and don't particularly like change. So, once I get in to a routine it can be hard for me to do anything different! But, for the last 7 weeks I've been trying very hard to change things up!

I've been going to the gym at least 3 days a week, in addition to my 4 days of running. Some days I run and then later go hit the gym. Some days I just run. Some days I just hit the gym. I even started including a day of spinning. I started out going to the gym to do the same old weight routines with dumbells and the machines - its that "routine" thing because I'm familiar with those things. Then I hired a trainer for 1 to 2 days a week - he's getting me used to changing things up.

At first I was a little skeptical - when you work your tail off in 15 minutes or less how can that be enough? Shouldn't it take an hour of lifting heavy and hard to get you in shape!? That was my thought. I was starting to get nervous about it - even though I'd have days where in 15 (sometimes 20) minutes I was burned out, sweating buckets, and leaving the gym with jello arms and/or legs. I was still thinking it wasn't enough - but then I found out I lost 2% body fat along with inches AND suddenly my running is improving!

My running hasn't "improved" in about 2 years - I had just been getting slower and slower. But now I'm seeing the results of those awesome circuit blast style workouts. Not only do they engage your muscles, they engage your heart - building cardio and strength all at the same time. Not to mention the increased calorie burn!

So, sometimes, in order to improve your running you need to change things up and add something "extra" to your fitness routine. Build strength! Get conditioned and toned! Lose bodyfat! And just have fun doing something different and new!

PS....Kettlebells are the new rage and they are AWESOME!!!!