2008 Woodie Awards
Variation is Key
Spice Up your workout!
Josh Hockett
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: Health
We all know how dull and boring it is to do the same thing over and over again the same exact way time and time again. It's the definition of monotony. Repetitive actions or events done routinely bore you until they drive you crazy! As much as we all try to avoid such repetitive behavior, I cannot help but to notice how inclined some of us have become to fall pray to such ritual routines, specifically as it applies to ones exercise routine. Many of us will demonstrate this undesirable exercise habit when it comes to the programs thatwe follow, be it weight training, cardio, yoga classes, spinning classes, running outside, playing basketball etc. Whatever it is you do right now or have been doing for the past semester or two is great, and the fact that you're consistent and determined is worth a pat on the back. But how much variation do you apply to your program? Do you change things up from time to time? Do you try new activities here and there? Or do you stay the one track you've to know so well at the expense of other activities? These are important questions to ask yourself if you want to assure that you're getting the absolute best return on your health and fitness efforts. The body is a very adaptable machine; in just a few weeks of consistent stress (good stress) along with proper rest and recovery, the body can quickly accommodate and adjust to what was formerly a tough workout or exercise. Sticking with that same routine or plan no matter how consistent and diligent you are will cease to produce the same results it had before. This is when variation and progression come in!
Variation can be seen in two ways, large scale variation and small scale variation. You can apply one or both forms to your current physical activity routine to help spice things up and bring about totally new changes and adaptations to your athletic performance and your health. For example, a large scale variable would be one where if you currently take hatha yoga three times a week every week, then you would try adding in another form of yoga like power yoga in place of one of the former three hatha sessions. Or if you currently run five miles four times a week, then why not sub in some hill runs or short sprint once a week or on alternate weeks? If you like to hit the iron in Mitchell or the REC a few times a week, then maybe consider functional resistance training such as bodyweight only exercises, tire flips, stone carries, chain drags, sled pulls or other "strongman" type exercises? (see the WPBC if you really want to consider that last one!). If you play soccer or basketball, volleyball or flag football, think about trying out another sport even for just a few sessions a semester. The cross-training effects from a different sport often translate very well to your primary sport. All of these options and many others exist to keep you involved with what your already doing while providing you with a helpful dose of change as well.
Variation can be seen in two ways, large scale variation and small scale variation. You can apply one or both forms to your current physical activity routine to help spice things up and bring about totally new changes and adaptations to your athletic performance and your health. For example, a large scale variable would be one where if you currently take hatha yoga three times a week every week, then you would try adding in another form of yoga like power yoga in place of one of the former three hatha sessions. Or if you currently run five miles four times a week, then why not sub in some hill runs or short sprint once a week or on alternate weeks? If you like to hit the iron in Mitchell or the REC a few times a week, then maybe consider functional resistance training such as bodyweight only exercises, tire flips, stone carries, chain drags, sled pulls or other "strongman" type exercises? (see the WPBC if you really want to consider that last one!). If you play soccer or basketball, volleyball or flag football, think about trying out another sport even for just a few sessions a semester. The cross-training effects from a different sport often translate very well to your primary sport. All of these options and many others exist to keep you involved with what your already doing while providing you with a helpful dose of change as well.
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