Time To Mix It Up
They say that variety is the spice of life, and I’d say that’s true for certain things in my life. Like ice cream flavors. And jewelry. And exercise. 
I know some people who can stick to the same routine for years, and they never get bored and continue to see results. But I’m just not one of those people. Both my body and my mind crave change, and lately they’ve both been telling me that the time to mix it up is now.
Altering my exercise routine isn’t as simple as mixing up, say, my earrings – dangly one day, studs the next, and hoops the next – but it’s still worth the effort. I’ve decided that my new schedule will focus on two activities I’m currently loving:
1. Body Pump classes
(Source)
I used to take Body Pump (an hour-long, full-body, endurance-based strength training class) in college all the time, but then I got out of the habit. I’ve been going to classes again and already notice the difference; I love feeling STRONG.
2. INSANITY DVDs
(Source)
Yep, I’m going there. 
Well actually, we’re going there, as Dave and I will be doing these DVDs together. We’re hoping to bond over high knees and push-ups. 
Insanity touts itself as the toughest workout program ever put on DVD. Dave and I have only done one workout so far, but we both think that statement is probably accurate! We won’t be following the program exactly; rather, we’ll be doing the workouts, in order, three days per week.
So here’s what my new schedule looks like:
Monday: Insanity DVD (ranging from 30-60 minutes)
Tuesday: Insanity DVD
Wednesday: Body Pump
Thursday: Rest or Light Movement (walk/jog, yoga, stretching, another DVD)
Friday: Body Pump
Saturday: Insanity DVD
Sunday: Rest
Would I like to keep up with my running simultaneously? Sure, but I’ve made the decision not to at this particular time. Maintaining my running routine – plus Body Pump and Insanity – would require a lot of extra time and effort that I’m simply not willing to give, for two reasons:
1. I have a history of going overboard with exercise, so I am hyper-aware of the importance of sticking with a moderate schedule.
2. The purpose of my exercise routine is to help maintain good health and to manage stress. I’m not planning on breaking any records anytime soon, so I really don’t need a more intense schedule.
I’m really looking forward to mixing up my routine! I already feel excited and rejuvenated, so I suppose it’s already working! 
Do you stick to a regular exercise routine, or do you crave variety?
AND
Have you ever taken Body Pump? Ever tried the Insanity DVDs?
Themocracy
I normally change it up very regularly. Actually moreso from my exercise ADD and doing a variety of things every week.
I want to try Insanity so I can’t wait to hear what you think.
I have been feeling the exact same lately. My body and my soul is telling me that I’ve been putting way too much ware and tear on it with running. After my 1/2 marathon, I have vowed to myself to take a break from running and finding happiness in variety of other forms of workouts.
I’m always changing what I’m doing for exercise. For months I’ll be hardcore at the gym and then I’ll focus more on outside and at home exercise routines. I usually change it up when I get bored. It makes it easy to keep going. I am not one of the people that love exercise. I always have to force myself to do it.
Nope, I exercise when the planets align in my favor. Like today, I will run if the weather is nice enough for me to push my son in his jog stroller, and if his nap happens. If not, I will do squats while hanging laundry on the line or just dance to Sesame Street CDs. It’s pretty hit or miss, but I figure anything is better than nothing, and soon enough he’ll be bigger and won’t need me so much [weep!] and I’ll have all the time I want for exercise.
I have been stuck in a running rut for a while and have been considering mixing it up with some classes. With moving in a few weeks, however, I’ve been putting off getting into something new at my gym. Hopefully once we get settled in our new place and I join a new gym, I can find some classes that will give me some variety. In the meantime, however, I’ve been mixing running up by doing various speed workouts and training for a 5k for speed rather than my usual longer runs for endurance. It is amazing how much more I now look forward to running when I’m at the track doing short bursts rather than always just chugging along the same old path.
I try and change things up every now and again, but I think I figured out a good mix with running, biking and yoga. I can’t wait to see what you think of insanity! I am thinking of trying P90X this winter when we have 24in of snow on the ground:(
I used to change up my routine frequently. But now that I’m training for my half-marathon I’ve just been running. I do try to change up my cross training though, so I don’t get too bored.
My friend gave me the Insanity DVD’s but I’m afraid of them so I haven’t tried them yet.
Not gonna lie, the two I’ve done so far are HARD. But I just take short breaks when I need to.
I usually need to change it up every so often.
I have tried Body Pump and it’s great, I felt so strong so fast!
I really don’t crave variety all that much in my workout routine..however, it really does depend on the week. Sometimes I’m find with BodyPump/Zumba/BodyAttack/Step, but other times, I just want to do something else, so I’ll do my Shred DVD or some other DVD. It’s all good for me. My goal is to be healthy, and that’s why I work out.
I have always wanted to take a body pump class. It sounds like fun. Now you have me wanting to try this asap!
good for you for mixing it up! i need to be better at this, especially with all the options my gym offers. i have shin splints right now so i’ll be forced into doing new stuff. this is a good thing, i think!
i really want to take a body pump class eventually.
I love Body Pump! It’s such a fun class that moves so quickly, it’s hard to believe it’s an hour long. I love getting a whole body workout in in one shot, too. I can’t WAIT to hear what you think of Insanity! I have only heard good things, and it sounds INTENSE. Or, I guess, Insane.
I definitely like to switch things up, but I also take comfort in a routine. I try to do 4-5 different things a week, just switching up the order if I can. Keeps things fresh!
i love to mix it up, but i definitely have go-to things that i love, like walking, running, and yoga. i would love to try body pump though! if only i had the $$$ to belong to a gym that has it…
I mix it up…and sometimes it’s still boring!
Mixing it up definitely is key. I think part of the reason I’m feeling a bit burnt out on running is that for the past two and a half years, it’s been almost my sole workout. Recently I’ve been introducing yoga but I rarely relied on it as my ONLY workout – just a supplement to running. Now I’m at a point where I really crave something different!
I’m too much of a chicken to try Insanity. I’m afraid it’ll kick my butt and make me feel defeated, lol. Good for you for taking on the challenge!
I cannot tell a lie: it is HARD!!! I’ve only done two DVDs so far, but they are no joke!
i think its MUCH better that ur planning to switch it up and taking a break in the summer from a regular running routine is smart. a lot of injuries from running occur too over the summer. but also ur muscles will enjoy switching it up for sure. im guessing it will be more enjoyable as well, for urself and motivation.
xoxo
So excited to hear about Insanity!!! I NEED variety in my workouts, I have really bad exercise ADD, except for running.
I think it’s great that you’re totally switching up your routine! I wish I was better at this. For two straight years I basically only ran, but this summer I’ve started switching things up with the elliptical and a bit of yoga. It still gets pretty repetitive though. I’m hoping to try out some classes once I get back to my university gym!
I absolutely love this post! I’m a huge fan of mixing up workouts to spice up my life.
I’m also really, really happy to hear that you will be doing Insanity! I just wrapped up the two months and truly enjoyed the workouts. Now I’m looking forward to sprinkling them in with my other favorites to really keep things…spicy. Clearly, I like using that term!
Best of luck with it – we will have to swap stories, especially when you get to the Month 2 workouts!
Awesome! Did you follow the program exactly? I honestly don’t think I could handle doing it 6 times a week or whatever it is! We’re planning on doing it 3 times per week.
I like your plan! I try to do too much, too. Lately I have been better about focusing on running.
I CRAVE variety and I’m constantly switching it up! I have done p90X but I got hurt 5 months ago, so I’m just starting back up now! I have heard of insanity and would love to it since it’s more cardio based!
I also need variety in my workouts! I usually do everything from Pilates classes to the elliptical or stepper at the gym to workout DVDs to lifting weights. I get bored easily! I wish Body Pump was offered at my gym (I go to a small gym). I just read about it elsewhere, and I think I’d really like it. I love strength training because you do feel so strong and seriously invincible. Katie, do you take your classes at a gym?
Wow, Insanity does seem really intense! I remember their infomercials.
I love challenging workouts but I get frustrated with myself at times if it’s something I really can’t do. So do you find that the DVDs are doable? I’d say I’m at a moderate fitness level.
Great post, Katie! I’m checking out the Insanity website right now.
I actually take my classes at the Y, which you should definitely look into joining once you move up here! I belong to the Y of Central MD, which allows me to take classes at any of their locations.
I’ll be honest, I’ve never had a workout DVD kick my butt the way the first two Insanity DVDs have. I’ve had to take multiple short breaks throughout, and I’ve struggled to do the moves as “fully” as I’d like to. But I’m hoping to see improvement!
The workouts are “bootcamp” style – jumping jacks, high knees, etc. I personally like those kinds of moves more than dance-style ones.
And the best part is that Insanity doesn’t require any equipment. Good for those of us on a budget!
Thanks for the reply, Katie! Our Y is pretty small here, and caters mostly to older people (I am in Florida, after all..hehe).
I’m the same way! I prefer bootcamp style to dance moves any day. The only type of dance-inspired workouts I like are ballet (like Pilates, sorta).
Oh, you must be thinking of someone else, I’m not moving.
But you’re lucky that you have tons of options. That’s one of the drawbacks of living in a smaller place.
And I’m always happy when a DVD doesn’t require equipment. Aside from dumbbells, it gets expensive.
That’s awesome you’re sticking with it, though. It’ll definitely get easier, as you do it more.
Thanks, again!!
Oh my goodness, Margarita, I got you confused with Ashley from Nourishing the Soul. I am SO sorry!!! (hangs head in embarrassment)
Although I will say that I probably made the mix up because you both write such wonderful, inspiring blogs on positive body image and self-care!
Oh, no biggie! And thank you for the sweet words! I love Ashley’s work, so it’s totally a compliment.
I LOVE body pump and I’ve heard that the insanity dvds are crazy tough so I’m glad you’re not trying to also keep up with running. Those should provide a good amount of cardio already. Good luck – keep us posted (I’m totally toying with the idea to try these one day).
Your schedule sounds great! I definitely need variety in my workout routine, too. I’ve never taken a class specifically called “Body Pump,” but I’m pretty sure the 30/60/90 class at the Equinox gym here is the same.
I like to mix up my routine – but I’ve definitely been on a running kick with some yoga as well. I really want to buy a bike soon because I’d love to have that option. And I rollerblade, too.
I’ve never tried body pump or insanity but I have tried P90X and loved it. Those dvds are no joke..great workout!
I wanted to do P90X but I didn’t want to spend the money on all the extra equipment! I think I’ll work on slowly building up my home gym and then try that one.
My running schedule is pretty much the same. I also go to Laboxing for boxing and kickboxing class. All the instructors there change up their classes so I never get bored.
I always crave variety! Once I start just flat out not enjoying what I am diong I know that is time to do something different.
I am in the process of accepting that I don’t need to work out like I am training for the olympics! I have a tendancy to do that. I am finally learning the space that working out should occupy in my life – rather then figuring out how to fit life into my exercise routine : )
Most days, I just walk. My hubby and I do P90X on occassion. I LOVE the P90X yoga video. So fun/challenging/awesome. I’ll be eager to hear what you think of “insanity.” :p
I think you’re a little insane (in a good way!) for doing Insanity! I, too, have been craving variety. It’s been running, running, running…and more running lately, and even my body is telling me to switch it up…by way of shin splints and an aching Achilles! P.S. LOVE BodyPump!
Thank you for your response today on weight loss surgery…it was great!
I think it’s great to switch up your exercise routine, so that your body doesn’t get bored (and neither do you!). I’m not so good about switching things up, but I do try to incorporate biking, swimming, and elliptical into my running routine. Also, I think it’s smart that you aren’t overdoing it, especially as you said you have a history of overexercise.
Have a great evening, Katie!
I LOVE body pump and most of the Les Mills classes. I’m actually going to get certified to teach Body Step
I crave variety in my workouts too. One of my favorites is a mini cardio triathlon: 15-20 mins treadmill, 15-20 mins elliptical, 15-20 mins stairmaster. I feel great afterwards and it’s hard to get bored in 15-20 mins. Plus you can switch up the different machines
Good luck with insanity!!
I give you a lot of credit for both those routines. Insanity scares the living day lights out of me. Good luck with it.
Awesome! I recently mixed up my routine too by adding weight training and changing my running workouts. I already love it and am so happy I was proactive about avoiding getting burnt out. I’ve seen Insanity around a lot recently – looks tough. But I bet it’s worth it.
You’re new routine sounds great! I’ve never tried either, actually, but have heard great things! You are definitely going to get strong with that schedule.
I also have to mix up my workout routine in order to stay motivated. I love running a lot, so sometimes it can be hard to give that up BUT I’ve found that if I don’t periodically give myself a break from it, I get burned out. And then it can be hard to get myself to exercise at all.
Have I already mentioned that I love your blog?
This sounds like an awesome routine you guys have started. I wish my gym offered Body Pump lol. And thank you so much for the link back to your story. It’s so familiar to me and your attitude about getting back on track is such an inspiration.
Thank you, Kate!!!
I love BodyPump, but I don’t have a gym that offers it. I do P90X for strength training(which can be done with bands, just so you know) and then I run/bike or throw in an Insanity DVD. I love the intensity of Insanity and did the full program last winter, but I need a little more variety in my workout.
I didn’t know you can do P90X with bands! I’m ten times more likely to try it now. Thanks for sharing!
[...] I’ve mentioned before, I’ve recently re-kindled my relationship with my old exercise flame Body Pump. I’ve [...]