New Programs vs. Old: Why Change Matters

Our bodies love getting used to routines. Our minds love being able to predict what is coming next with some degree of certainty. When we first join a gym or start a new fitness class, it takes at least two to three weeks to feel comfortable with exercise which is why I keep the same group fitness programs ( I write my own weight training/yoga/Essentrics routines) for a minimum of 4 weeks.

As a group fitness instructor, I need my students to develop a level of trust that allows them to push the limits of their comfort zone because this is where we gain strength and flexibility. Once we reach this milestone, I then introduce changes to stimulate new growth both physically and mentally. However there is a sweet spot. Too much repetition causes boredom but too much change can cause frustration. Both can result in students quitting.

I know that it is much easier to learn a routine and perform it every class. Students often ask me why I work so hard to learn and create new programs. The truth is I started doing this early on in my career because the same students began showing up for every type of class that I taught. The only way that I could keep us all safe and injury free was to vary what we were doing and how we were doing it. Over time I grew used to this creation process and because my students felt successful and kept returning, I realized that I had found the secret sauce...Provide just enough change to avoid boredom and do all I can to make the students feel happy and successful!

I also realized that varying the music that I played was just as important. When it comes to my Essentrics routines, I have been known to spend upwards of 5 hours creating playlists! And honestly this is the biggest compliment that I receive from my clients. They love my music. So if you don't want to change your workout moves, try changing injecting new music into your fitness routine.

As I grow up - almost 60 years young - I see that I'm keeping my brain cells active by stimulating them regularly with new choreography. Many of my students have been with me since the early 2000's and because I have challenged them in a safe and supportive way, they look and act like they haven't aged at all. They are living proof that my system works and that I'm on the right track!

A big shout out to all of my students. Thanks for placing your trust in me for all of these years! I'm so lucky.

See you soon,

Beth