Incorporating Variety

Variety is defined as "the quality or state of having different forms or types".

If you work out regularly, it's easy to fall into the habit of doing the same set of exercises all the time. Unfortunately, research has shown that when your body performs the same exercises repeatedly, your muscles adjust over time to make those exercises easier. While this might make your workout feel more comfortable, this comfort comes at cost. Eventually, your workouts won't offer your body as much of a challenge.

Why does this happen? Your body's muscular systems and other physiological systems adapt to a workout routine in only a few weeks. That means that if you don't change up your routine, you'll reach a plateau in your fitness level.

Athletes involved in multifaceted events have a need for variety, as they must develop multiple physical qualities. Think of the combat athlete as the perfect example. It is not enough to be strong if one lacks endurance. It is not enough to be fast if one lacks power. The athlete who is well rounded is often the athlete who excels.

Unfortunately, many trainers and athletes follow a narrow-minded approach to fitness. These individuals select a sole training modality. They reap the benefits of one style, while ignoring, and often discrediting, the effectiveness of all others.

Consider the common debate about bodyweight exercise and weight training. One individual may boast superiority based on his ability to perform 20 pull-ups and 100 pushups. Another individual may claim superiority based on his squat and bench press abilities. So who is the superior athlete in this? There is no correct answer to that. An athlete is not defined by his ability to perform a certain number of repetitions or by how much weight he can lift. Athletes must be evaluated and judged based on performance.

There is no training device or system that serves as a panacea for strength and conditioning. Too many individuals spend excessive amounts of time trying to justify their training system (in the interim, discrediting others). These individuals would be better served by incorporating variety into their program. After all variety is the "spice" of fitness.

Who is to say that bodyweight exercise is superior to weight training, or vice versa? Who is to say that kettlebells are superior to dumbbells, or vice versa? What about sandbags, medicine balls, or sledge hammers? What about sport-specific skill training?

We are all individuals, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, goals, and objectives. No one should preach the absolute superiority of one particular training system, device or methodology.

I recommend a system that incorporates variety. Regardless of your goals and desires, you will be well served with variety. Each tool or system has it's place and if used correctly will benfit the athlete.

In order for a muscle to increase in strength, the workload must be greater than normal. By overloading the muscle, whether it be more reps, supersets, heavier weights or even shorter rest periods, your body responds and adapts by growing stronger. Once the body adapts, a new stimulus is required to continue the reaction. If the workload does not progressively increase, there will be no further gains in strength and endurance

Variety will expedite training results, while providing an avenue for continued progression. So spice it up, incorporate variety and have some fun!