When you have a set workout plan, it’s easy to get into a groove where you’re not tempted to try any new classes. And while there’s definitely something to be said for consistency, there’s also a lot of benefits to throwing in a new challenge once in a while. We know a lot of you probably have your favorite workout routines already, but we want to encourage you not to let that stop you from trying something new. Here’s five reasons you should try out a new workout class.
Branching Out Prevents Injuries
Consistency is important to workout success. Working out once is great, but it’s the repetitive commitment to getting your body moving that helps strengthen your muscles, improve your endurance, reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase your energy. This is likely one of the reasons you’ll find many people have their chosen workout routine that they stick to. If you repeat the same workout too often, your muscles won’t get the chance to rest which could in turn lead to injury. On the other hand, if you try a new workout, you’ll get the chance to focus on different muscles and body systems. As you strengthen new parts of your body, you’ll then be better equipped to perform in your usual workout classes as well, whether it be because the new muscles bring you new power or the new exercise allows you to improve your cardio, as explained in Healthline.
Turn Off Autopilot
If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen and then forgotten why you were there or driven yourself to work and then realized you don’t remember the drive there, then you’re familiar with what it’s like to be living life on autopilot. If you’re familiar with autopilot, then you’d probably agree it’s not the time we’re more focused on how we are accomplishing tasks. Take a minute next time you’re working out to consider if you’re going through your exercise routine on autopilot. Whether you answer yes or no, you’re still getting your body moving and your muscles stretching and strengthening. But if you really want to get the most out of your workouts each time you’re in the studio or gym, focusing on how you’re completing your workouts could create a bigger difference than you know. Training with purpose and a focus on what you want to accomplish gives you the opportunity to check if you’re staying on course to your progress, and therefore have a better chance of completing your goals. If you switch up your workout routine by trying a new class, it’ll force you to be fully present during your workout. Then, you can carry what you learn about your body and your progress into any class you may take.
Meet New People
If you go to the same workout class all the time, you’ll likely get familiar with the cast of regulars who also frequent the class. This is a great way to build community and get to know your neighbors. But not all workout studios are the same – they all have their own unique atmosphere. If you haven’t hit it off with the regulars at your gym or in the class you usually take, don’t lose hope on finding a gym buddy. You might find your people are waiting for you in a new type of workout class!
Give Your Brain a New Challenge
When was the last time you learned something new? In childhood, we learned new things all the time whether we liked it or not. A combination of our newness to the world and the government mandated education program meant that both in school and out we’d be experiencing new things and learning as we did. But, as adults we have to make more active choices to learn new things. It’s important we keep learning new things because the ability to do so is sort of a cyclical process. As described by INC “learning new skills stimulates neurons in the brain, which forms more neural pathways and allows electrical impulses to travel faster across them”. In other words, when you learn something new, you strengthen your brain and make it easier to learn more new things. If your response to all of this is wondering when between work and friends and family and all your other commitments you’re supposed to find time to learn something new, that’s totally understandable. That’s why we suggest using a commitment you’ve already made – to working out – as an opportunity to learn something new. You might be a weight room aficionado, but a total newbie to yoga, or you might be a HIIT class regular whose never tried choreography. Challenge yourself to learn something new within your workout routine and you might find learning new things in other parts of your life becomes easier too.
You Might Find a New Favorite
This might possibly be our favorite thing that can happen when you take a new style of workout class. You’ve picked something to try out, whether it’s because a friend asked you to come along or because you thought it could be a good change to your workout schedule. You expect a new challenge or a fun, one-off experience but then you get through the warmup and realize you actually love this new type of workout. You’ve unexpectedly found a favorite! It might even become the centerpiece of your workout routine going forward. This isn’t going to happen with every class you ever take, but sometimes it might and you’ll never know if you don’t try something new!
Whatever brings you to try a new class with us here at OYF Far Infrared Yoga & Fitness, we’re happy to have you! You can find all the class options to choose between here and we’ll look forward to seeing you in the studio soon!