A Guide To Changing Up Your Fitness Routine

Different Types of Exercise: A Guide To Changing Up Your Fitness Routine

If your workouts feel that little bit less exciting or your progress has plateaued, it’s time to shake things up. Incorporating a variety of exercise types into your routine doesn’t just keep things fresh—it’s essential for building well-rounded fitness, preventing injuries, and staying motivated.

Here’s a guide to different types of exercise, designed to challenge you in new ways and take your training to the next level.

Strength Training

Strength training lays the foundation for physical performance, helping to increase muscle mass, improve bone health, and boost overall strength. Think compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, alongside bodyweight exercises such as pull-ups and dips.

Looking to change things up? Explore variations like resistance band training, kettlebell circuits, or gymnastic rings. Experiment with rep ranges—whether it’s high reps for endurance or heavy lifts for power.

Cardio Training

Cardiovascular training strengthens your heart, improves lung capacity, and supports overall endurance. Beyond running, there are countless ways to get your cardio fix, including cycling, rowing, and swimming.

Looking to change things up? Replace steady-state cardio with intervals or High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to challenge your speed and stamina. For something different, tackle outdoor adventures like trail running or mountain biking.

Mobility and Flexibility

Mobility work enhances joint range of motion and flexibility, ensuring your body can move freely and efficiently. It’s often overlooked but is critical for preventing injuries and improving performance in strength and cardio exercises.

Looking to change things up? Add yoga, dynamic stretches, or foam rolling into your warm-up or cooldown. Alternatively, dedicate one session a week to active recovery with mobility drills.

Functional Fitness

Undertaking functional fitness doesn't necessarily mean that you're expected to sign up to your first HYROX within a few weeks. This is your chance to work on exercises that explore a huge variety of avenues.

Looking to change things up? Use unconventional tools like sandbags, sleds, or battle ropes or take it further by trying your hand at obstacle courses or the aforementioned HYROX. 

Low-Impact Workouts

Low-impact doesn’t mean low effort. These workouts are perfect for protecting your joints while still challenging your body. Activities like swimming, rowing, and cycling fit the bill, as do bodyweight exercises with slower tempos.

Looking to change things up? Adjust the intensity by adding resistance or increasing duration. Try a low-impact strength circuit for a change of pace.

Mind-Body Connection

Mind-body workouts, such as yoga, Pilates, and tai chi, combine physical movement with mental focus. They’re ideal for building core strength, improving balance, and managing stress.

Looking to change things up? Experiment with different yoga styles—power yoga for strength, yin yoga for recovery—or use guided meditation to enhance your focus during other workouts.

Team Sports or Group Classes

Sometimes, the motivation of a team or class can take your performance to the next level. From football to CrossFit, you'll never be short of a community to keep pushing you.

Looking to change things up? Try a new group fitness class or join a sports team to tap into the social side of fitness. Training with others can help push your limits and keep you consistent.

Why Variety Is Key

Switching up your exercise routine doesn’t just need to be off the back of boredom—it challenges your body in new ways, breaks through fitness plateaus, and helps you develop well-rounded capabilities. It’s also crucial for long-term motivation and injury prevention.

Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve endurance, or enhance recovery, incorporating different types of exercise ensures you’re always making progress.