Hello, I'm about to start a new challenge and I'm getting a little confused with scheduling my workouts. How often should I change the exercises I'm doing? Should I stick with the same exercises for the whole 12 weeks and just increase weight? Or should I be switching it up every couple of weeks. I could really use some advice from a champion who knows what works. Thanks very much!!
P.S. would anyone be willing to email me their workout journal so I can see the whole journey and get some perspective on the workout planning.
Chris
What worked for me was to switch it up every 4 weeks. That way you are "throwing a curveball" as well as working slightly different muscles within the larger group.
When I did my challenge, for my back I did 4 weeks of single-arm rows with overheads for my last 12. Then for Weeks 5-8, I switched and did cable rows with pulldowns for my last 12. Same with cardio... I did treadmill for my first 4 weeks, then elliptical, then treadmill again (I've since fallen in love with running and am training for a half marathon in March).
In addition to working different muscle groups, you also get to experience what different type of exercises feel like, see what you like/dislike about them, and prevent your body from getting stuck in a rut or hitting a plateau as easily.
I agree with mwseahorse. I also changed up my weight workouts after 4 weeks. I kept my cardio the same only because I, too, am a fan of running and didn't want to do anything else. I just continued to increase my pace on the treadmill to challenge my body and hit the correct intesity levels.
Most journals recommend changes a lot. They call it "muscle confusion" . The idea is the same as BFL recommends. You tax your body in a new way and it has to adapt. I work out in a gym where there are many options. I haven't seen too much on this but I'd change what you do and the order in which you do it . Just track it so you can get some perspective on how it works.