by Phillip Osborn

Created on: March 10, 2009

Exercise Variation Leads to Fitness Success

Maintaining a consistent exercise regimen is one of the most effective ways to loose weight and achieve optimal body composition. Aerobic activities burn a substantial amount of calories, in turn lowering the body's total caloric intake. Weight-bearing exercise contributes to the development of lean muscle tissue, thus raising the metabolism and increasing the amount of calories burned by the body, even at rest. As these basic fitness concepts have shown reliable results among many, some may notice a gradual decline in their rate of progress over time. Along with the monotony of constantly following the same exercise routine, the diminishing effectiveness of one's workouts can also lead to decreased motivation. This common occurrence is known as a progression plateau. It develops from the body's obligation to adapt to physical stress, as it increases endurance and muscular strength to compensate. Once an individual reaches this fitness level, the body can maintain its present condition while enduring the same workouts. This process is called muscular adaptation.

The positive aspect of reaching a plateau is that it portrays that an individual has attained a new level of fitness. This stage of conditioning conveys the nessecity for advancment. Exercise variation is a simple, effective approach in conquering fitness plateaus, and further improving one's physical health. The attempt to overcome muscular adaptation by varying exercises is part of a principle known as muscular confusion.

Some factors should be considered when revising a personal fitness routine. There may be certain characteristics or segments of a particular program that are still producing acceptable results, and it is not advisable to change these. Analyze the portions that have become monotonous and unfulfilling, and substitute variations for those exercises. There are several foundational exercises available for each muscle group that can be implemented in place of movements that have ceased to produce progress. Varying one's exercise order can also ignite muscular confusion. Muscle groups that have withdrawn from improvement, or require additional effort to maintain, should be trained towards the beginning of one's fitness program. This is when the body is at it's peak energy level, producing more strength and endurance.

Exercise variation does not necessarily have to involve the complete reconstruction of one's routine. If an individual still finds

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