Can you remember when you first started working out and how sore you were after a workout? Or have you just started working out and are still sore from your last workout? So why does this soreness end after we have worked out with “the same” routine over and over? It comes down to one simple equation.
What happens when a person keeps doing “the same” workout routine over and over is that the body gets accustomed to the movements of that workout. When the body gets accustomed to a certain workout routine there will be little strength and muscle gains and it will be extremely hard to improve. This is when you need to use The Element of Surprise to trick your body.
The Element of Surprise does not require one to totally change their routine, although at times it would not hurt. It can be something as simple as changing the number of sets and repetitions per workout or switching to lighter weights with higher repetitions, rather than using the typical heavy weights and low repetitions. Another nice Element of Surprise is to lift your typical set of heavy weights quickly followed by 20 repetitions of light weights; this will trigger both the “slow” and “fast” twitch muscle fibers.
These are only a few examples of how to incorporate The Element of Surprise into your workout routine. It is now time to get creative while working out and start surprising your body and start being surprised with how your body looks. I can’t wait to read your comments on how you added The Element of Surprise into your workouts today!
To consistently achieve maximal results and avoid progress plateaus, make sure the Element of Surprise comes as no surprise to your workout routines. It’s a great method to keep workouts fresh, your body guessing, and results showing. Just last week I incorporated some Plyometric exercises into my leg day routine. After a few sets of Dumbbell Jump Squat-Presses I knew I had “surprised” my Type IIb muscle fibers (which remained surprised for the following 3 days!)
Feel free to venture outside-the-box with new training exercises and methods to achieve your goal(s), but always make sure you do your due diligence first by knowing correct form, function, and desired benefit. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a Certified Personal Trainer.