We all know the importance of exercise and the many benefits we get from it. Today I would like to give some ideas about different ways to achieve a solid workout. Many of us have daily or weekly routines that we follow. We spend each workout doing the exact same thing as before. I want to stress the importance of mixing it up.

For example, if you are a die hard cardio fan then try adding in some various resistance exercises. Let's say that you take a walk each morning for 45 minutes. You might walk the exact same trail at the exact same intensity. Next time, consider the following variations.

Try walking for 10 minutes and then stop and do some overhead dumbbell presses or bicep curls. After you feel a good burn in your biceps or shoulders start your walk again. This time during your cardio segment try finding a hill with a descent incline. Spend the next ten minutes or so walking, (or jogging depending on your level of fitness) up and down the hill. After you have completed this section it's time to do some sit-ups and push-ups. Remember that each of us have varying levels of fitness and sit-ups or push-ups can be taxing and very difficult to do.

You can minimize the stress you put on each muscle group by lessening the range of motion and intensity. For example, you can do a half sit-up and not sit up all the way. Or you can do a push-up with your knees on the ground. The point that I want to make is by switching or changing your "normal" routine around you can feel major differences. Your body will respond too and appreciate the "fresh" new changes in your work-out and you will feel energized by this. When you do the same thing every day your body adapts and doesn't want to change. Plus a little change adds motivation.

Always begin and end your workout with a 10-20 minute warm-up and cool-down. Treat your body like you would your vehicle. Before you drive off in your car you need to make sure the engine is warm. After you have been driving for a while you need to let your car sit. And the most important thing is to never run out of fuel! Make sure you have plenty of food/gas in the tank to complete the trip,but more on this in the upcoming days. Thanks for reading. -Andy