Something New

          Welcome to afitnewyou!  I apologize for not getting a new post out sooner, but I have been busy getting ready for the start of another new school year.  And as I was preparing for the year, I found inspiration for this post.  As I welcomed many new students to the start of the academic year, I thought about all of the new things they will learn.  This in turn made me think about all of the different and new things that occur in the fitness industry on a regular basis.  There always seems to be a "hot" new style of class, an innovative piece of training equipment, or something else that is fresh and new.  Incorporating these fresh additions are a great way for both beginner and veteran fitness buffs to invigorate their training routines.  While I do stress the importance of keeping a regular routine to achieve your fitness goals, that routine doesn't have to be stale.  So with this month bringing a back-to-school to school mentality for many of us, I suggest that everyone learn something original and add it to your normal routine.  Doing so will not only allow your muscles to develop past where their memory is currently at, but it will also add fresh perspective to your routine.

          The IDEA Health and Fitness Association is in my opinion one of the leading advancers of fitness in the industry.  Not only do they put on some of the biggest fitness conventions every year, but they also publish a monthly fitness journal.  And every month their journal is jam packed with new trends and sources of information for the exercise and nutrition minded.  One of my favorite sections of the journal is a paragraph called "What people are talking about"  This short little section provides leads to the most innovative and original ideas, practices and philosophies.  It provides a great jumping point for those looking for something new.  The information is great for novices and experts in the field.  What is important to note is that there is this constant influx of new material...this is because the addition of new education isn't just important, it is essential.

         One of the reasons many people fall off of the path towards achieving their fitness goals is because they become bored with the routine.  As the program starts to get stale, it becomes easier to make up excuses of why you cant adhere to the rigors of trying to reach your goal.  It is much harder to get excited about something that just isn't exciting anymore.  Think about something fun...a vacation, a thrill ride, or anything of the kind.  Quite often the longer you stay on it, the less enjoyable it becomes.  There is usually that "sweet spot" of enjoying something for a certain about time before it starts to become less enjoyable.  And this is true from a physiological stand point as well.

         When learning any new physical activity/ movement it takes a certain amount of time and repetitiveness for your brain and body to become accustomed to it.  Trying a physical activity one time might be fun, but it has to be repeated in order for the body to be able to adapt to it.  Your brain and body needs to "learn" the movement.  Typically, as we repeat a movement, our brain grows in response to it, and the movement becomes easier and easier as the brain makes adaptations to perform it more efficiently.  Then, as the movement becomes mentally more efficient, our muscles will change as a response to it as well.  In a classroom, this is similar to a teacher giving multiple examples of new material, and often homework, before a student is tested on the material...there needs to be sometime for the learning process to take place.  However, once our bodies have adapted, you need to change the movement in some way for continued development.  One of the easiest ways of adding change is simply by incorporating something new.

        In order to for your body to change and develop, you need to do something different and new from what you are currently doing.  Change begets change.  Just as students are required to learn new subject matter each year to further their education, the body needs to try new things to overcome muscle memory and have something to adapt to.  And equally as important, doing something new keeps the routine from becoming stale and boring.  Both the body and mind need to try fresh things in order to continually develop and progress.  So learn something new!  Try a different class or pick up a new-to-you piece of equipment next time you go to the gym.  Learning something new is a progressive way to reach a fit new you!