One of the worst habits we can get into when it comes to fitness and exercise is getting bored and losing motivation. How often have you set yourself to a great workout routine, only to abandon it a week or two later? Well, there is one solution you can try out that will allow you to remain dedicated to a good exercise regimen, and it’s called periodization.

Periodization basically means you change up the exercises you do depending on the time of year and your particular training cycle. Professional athletes utilize periodization often but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on this practice, too. Periodization helps individuals who have become stuck in their training process as well as keep the interest and motivation. One of the quickest ways to access if you are falling prey to inactivity in your workout is if you are currently bored with your routine, are not making any progress in your training, get injured more easily or if you simply stop working out altogether. If you are suffering from any or all of these things, you may want to look into periodization.

The way you can incorporate periodization into your life varies on what types of exercises you normally do. If you enjoy doing a lot of cardio, you’ll want to switch up your speed and intensity. Instead of doing the same routine you know, start off with low intensity and high mileage and then after a few weeks gradually work up to a faster speed at different intervals. This gives you a goal to work towards and eases your body into the new rhythm. Weight training buffs can use periodization by “cycling” the length of time low reps and heavy weights are used and switching to low weights and higher reps. It’s best to do this type of periodization every two weeks for a period of up to three months.

If you’re the type of person who participates in recreational sports or activities, you’ll want to vary your exercise regimen by the season. For example, you can focus on cardio at faster speeds and intensities, outdoor activities, and gym workouts in the warmer months and then change to gym activities that involve longer and slower paced cardio workouts indoors.

For the everyday fitness person, periodization can come in the forms of varying up the types of exercises you do by doing them in a different order. When you continue to change your routine and break up the monotony of your workout, your muscles will constantly be challenged, allowing them to adapt to new machines and/or equipment. Adding another person to your fitness routine can help keep you motivated as well. Some exercises are ideal for two people so you can try something new by having a friend or your significant other assist you.

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