[lucky_star]

Hi everyone,

I've heard this from someone - either a doctor or a trainer or someone - that if you keep doing the same workout routine everyday, eventually your body gets used to it and stops responding like it used to (i.e. you don't lose as much as compared to when you first started out doing the exercise). So, for example, since I generally am on the treadmill running/walking for 45-60 min. most days of the week, is it not benefiting me as much (i.e. helping me to lose weight) anymore because my body is used to doing it? I'm not sure about this because I always thought exercise was exercise and no matter what you do, it's good for you. Does anyone have any thoughts about this or know if it's bad to stick to running everyday? Thanks.

[runnin' momma]

Yes it is true. Your body will become more efficient therefore burning less calories to do the activity than it once did. Now you can counteract that by changing up your cardio or running intervals on the treadmill if you don't want to do other types of cardio. You need to challenge your body with something different. The same thing goes with weightlifting. If you don't change up your routine you won't see the muscle growth and development that you want. It is not "bad" to stick to running every day. Just change your incline, periodically or do speedwork. Try to improve your time or distance or effort each time you do it, even if it is just by 5 seconds or two tenths of a mile.

[Margarita]

Originally Posted by lucky_star

I'm not sure about this because I always thought exercise was exercise and no matter what you do, it's good for you. Does anyone have any thoughts about this or know if it's bad to stick to running everyday? Thanks.

It's better if you vary your activities, both to keep your body challenged, and to avoid injuries from over-using the same muscles in the same way every day.

[icedragon6669]

Any excercise is great! but it is true that the body gets used to it!
shake it up occasionally!

[Firmgirl]

Yes it is true and advised to change uo your routine evry 14 days.
If you are going to do the treadmill everyday, change the intensity, length, incline of the equipment. If you add weight training (or are already doing it) increase the weights, add pulses or static contractions to the movements, lift with a balance challenge, etc.

[lucky_star]

Thanks for all of your advice! I forgot to mention that sometimes I do switch it up with the elliptical, but I still use the treadmill the most. I find that I actually tire more from the elliptical than from running. Most people find it the other way around. I'll probably continue to run most days, I'll probably just have to shorten the time in order to add other activities like the elliptical and the bike. It's just hard, once you've settled into a "gym routine" and have had success doing what you do to try other things, you know? But I'll try!