“In the beginning, you may feel the aftermath of the workout, but eventually after doing the same thing repeatedly, you’ll need to up the level, incorporate weights, change the momentum, or add a twist,” she says. “You'll want to keep challenging your muscles not only in order to reach but also keep your fitness goals.”
Parrish says having multiple ways of exercising makes you more likely to stay active. “When you switch it up, it helps you not get bored,” she says. But it’s not just the body that benefits; trying new things also works the brain. “Challenging your brain in its critical thinking of body movement teaches you to be more agile, and not just for exercise, but for everyday life,” explains Parrish. Rather than going on autopilot, a new challenge will force you to stay present.Get more comfortable trying a new workout1. Try workouts that actually appeal to you.
Parrish says if you feel physically comfortable, you’ll feel mentally comfortable. “There’s nothing worse than kicking ass in class only for your leggings to roll down or you realize they are see-through with every squat, or your shirt is too restricting, or the colors make you feel blah," she says.