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New routine, new motivation
Tuesday August 26 2008
Ross O’Donnell TIPS FROM THE TRAINER
 
With Labour Day in sight, most people’s long-awaited vacation time has come and gone for another year. Some people have been off the whole summer going to their cottage or travelling and not being able to maintain their fitness routine, leaving them wondering how would I be able to get back into shape for the fall and winter season?
As the fitness buffs head back to renew their training regiment, they set their sights on saying good-bye to the summer weekend barbecue and deck parties that have turned their six-pack abs into something that resembles a keg.
Now some may argue that you got a lot of exercise walking back and forth from the fridge or cooler to the deck or carrying back all the empties, but something a little more structured yet different might be just what you’re looking for.
For many people, working out is just that, work. So if you think of exercise as work and you were away on holidays and are now going back to the same exercise program that you’ve been doing for some time, you’re likely going to find it tough to get motivated.
Now imagine coming back from holidays to a new type of exercise with different equipment. Your excitement and anticipation will fuel new found energy. Stay clear of the traditional equipment that you have already mastered … boring!
Many fitness enthusiasts are getting away from the highly technological equipment and opting for simple but reliable and challenging equipment and training methods. Incorporate things like; agility ladders, medicine balls, stability balls, core boards, Bosu balls or Equalizers.
With these tools you can develop a plan to utilize interval training, allowing for cardio and strength training in a short period of time. You will also increase core strength, balance, reaction time and coordination, making life’s daily tasks easier.
Running, marathons, triathlons and other such goal-oriented and competition-type events are also growing in popularity. Mind, body and fitness programs focussed around yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and meditation are also attracting more people looking for a new physical and physiological outlet.
Home gyms and video DVD programs are also an excellent way of changing things up in the comfort of your own home.
By exploring some totally new alternative routines you can motivate yourself and build some commitment. It’s much easier to get yourself to buy into a new, effective and exciting workout after a layoff than one that has become stale and unchallenging!

Ross O’Donnell, author of, “The Ultimate Fitness Boxing & Kickboxing Workout” is a Certified Can-Fit-Pro PRO-Trainer and owner of Fitness Kickboxing Canada Inc. He can be contacted at info@fitnesskickboxingcanada.ca or at 519-942-1625.