When you think of your exercise routine, is it fresh, exciting and energizing? Or, is it in need of a new beginning? Are you tired of doing the same routine, running your regular ol’ route, or repeating an exercise class over and over again? Have you kept up the exercise routine that sounded so promising at the beginning of the year?

It seems that we either get stuck in an exercise rut, our priorities shift and exercise is then placed on the back burner, or we become overwhelmed and simply stop exercising all together. If you fall into one of these categories, I challenge you to revive your exercise routine and change it up this week. According to the American Council of Exercise, there are numerous benefits to varying your routine and incorporating cross training!

Here are a few of the benefits:

1.  Reduced Risk of Injury. Contrary to the common belief, always sticking with the same type of exercise can increase risk of injury. Cross training distributes stress over different muscle groups and joints, rather than repeatedly stressing the same ones over and over again; for example, incorporating a balance of cardio and resistance training exercises.  This can allow you to exercise more often and for longer periods of time with less risk of overloading or creating a vulnerability of overuse in the body.

2.  Weight Loss! When trying to lose weight, the amount of exercise recommended can feel overwhelming or even repetitive if the same type of exercise is performed. Cross training is a great way to shock your body, burn a lot of calories, and keep your workout routine fun and fresh. For example, take a 45 minute spin class and then finish up with a 15 minute swim. Click Here for an exercise guide for weight loss.

3.  Improved Total Fitness. Combine strength training with aerobic exercise to challenge your body for an overall well-rounded fitness ability.  By performing a combination of strength and cardiovascular exercise, less muscle mass will be lost during your weight loss transformation.

4.  Exercise Enjoyment.  Oxymoron? Perhaps you’re bored, tired, or overly stressed by your current exercise regimen. What would you say to shaking things up and truly enjoying your exercise for a change? Try adding some variety to your exercise routine- change up the time of day, or seek a change of scenery to break up the monotony and improve your attitude towards exercise.

With Spring comes new beginnings and beautiful weather (usually), which means it’s time to get outdoors and try something new!  Try a new class, start walking with a friend, or check out a park close to you.  The city of San Antonio offers Fitness in the Park, a free, fun, outdoor exercise class in some of the parks throughout town. Click Here for a list of classes and locations.

Or, if you are in an adventurous mood, visit one of the national parks for free this week!  In honor of National Park Week, visitors are welcome to check out any national park at no charge.  Click Here for more information.

This week’s recipe, Rustic Skillet Lasagna, is the perfect weeknight dinner for a family on-the-go!