Bored of the Same Old Gym Routine? 5 Ways To Mix Up Your Workout
Keeping your workouts fresh is an important way to avoid getting into a mental rut and equally important to ensure that you work minute muscle groups that you would not otherwise work. Additionally, they address the back. So many of us are caught up in the vanity associated with having toned abs that we forget about our opposite side, the back. Everyone loves variety and perhaps one of the following new healthy back exercises will become your favorite.
1. Invest in a Theraband
Regular exercise with a Theraband is one of the best things you can do for the small ligament attachments in your shoulders. Keeping shoulder girdle ligaments strong and supple is one of the main ways to prevent shoulder injuries. Start by wrapping the band around both hand, carefully and slowly circling your arms at the shoulder so that they are straight out to the sides at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. Lower your arms slowly, decreasing the length of the Theraband until it is behind you and both arms are at your sides. Rotate your shoulders back around so the band is again stretched between your outstretched hands.
2. Carpet Squares
Buy a cheap carpet and cut into small squares about 6 inches by 6 inches. You will want to do this exercise on hard slippery floor. Place the squares carpet (slippery) side down beneath each foot and lift yourself up to pushup position. Lifting your hips slightly, proceed to "run" in place in pushup position, atop the carpet squares. This is an incredible core-toning exercise.
3. Inverted Hanging Sit-ups
Hang upside down from the chin-up bar by your legs, place your hands across your chest and do crunches.
4. Handstand push-ups
Do a handstand against the wall, draw your core in, and with your hands placed wider than hip and shoulder-distance apart, bend your elbows, lowering yourself down as far as you can. Repeat.
5. Upper Back and Cervical Stretch
Start in child's pose. Bring your Hips forward from your knees, place your elbows on the floor beneath your chin about 8-12 inches apart. Place your chin in your hands, push your head back with your hands while trying to lower your chest to the floor.
No matter how far you on on your fitness journey, adding new exercises may help you discover muscles, mobility points and ligaments that you have never felt before to maintain a healthy back.