By Karie-Ann Hamilton

When it comes to exercising, nothing can kill a well prescribed regime like routine. Like anything that is repetitious, even working out, it can become boring. As human beings, we tend to strive for routine in our day to day living. For nothing other than to simplify our ever complicated and changing lives. Let me warn you here and now, that when it comes to exercise, routine is bad.

After several weeks of exercising and following the same fitness routine, many individuals become frustrated as they see their gains start to dwindle. They no longer see the quick results that once came rather easily. Eventually, after following the same routine day in and day out, the scale stops tipping in their favour and the muscle gains cease. In trainer talk, this is the dreaded plateau.

Plateaus are what is commonly referred to "getting caught in a fitness rut." As complicated as the human body can be, it is very efficient, and quickly adapts to work. As a result, when we do the same activity daily, the body grows accustomed at performing the same task, there is no stimuli. Most of us can perform our jobs with eyes closed. The same happens when we don't vary our exercise workouts. At this crucial "red flag," an individual who reaches a plateau, has more of a tendency to abandon their workouts all together. But there is good news. With a few simple steps, you can get your workout groove back.

1. Variety...The Spice of Life

Vary your workouts. For most of us, doing the same boring workout daily would destroy all good intentions. Do free weights one day, take the stairs two at a time the next day and then round off your workout by attending the new body combat class to end the week. For those without fancy gym equipment, the great outdoors should be your best friend. You can purchase second-hand treadmills for a fraction of the cost, or better yet wait for the next local garage sale. 1 in 4 Canadian homes have fitness equipment that is not currently being used. The Fitness Girl offers a variety of innovative workouts that can help keep each exercise session interesting and boredom free. Purchase one of our TFG workouts here.

2. Early Bird Gets the Worm

Exercise first thing in the morning. Research shows that people who exercise in the morning are the most consistent with their routines. "Exercising first thing in the morning before you can come up with excuses why you can't, ensures consistency and is a great stress reliever," says Karla Kane, a TFG personal trainer.

3. Make An Appointment

Schedule your workouts in your daytimer. Just as you would a doctor's appointment, business meeting or event. Writing it down in your calendar increases the likelihood that you will work out consistently. No one ever "finds" time to exercise; write it down and stick to it as you would any other appointment. You'll be glad you did.

4. Hit The Hills

In the winter months it's hard to keep motivated with an exercise plan when the weather is so frigid. But when the sun comes out, so should you. The variety of sports and activities is truly endless. You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to outdoor exercise. Grab a friend and go rollerblading or join one of the many non-competitve sports like ulitmate frisbee. Pick up a copy of your local community's parks and recreation guide. There is no shortage of activities you could involve yourself in.

5. The Buddy System

Working out alone is often the oasis of solitude in an otherwise extremely busy day. The buddy system is the easiest way to stay on track. When you enlist the company of a friend or co-worker, you are more likely to stick to it. Why? You are held accountable in someone else's eyes. On the plus side, you both become role models for each other's success. A companion adds a social element to your exercise routine while breaking up the humdrum of counting your own reps.

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