So, if you started a summer workout routine to get swimsuit ready and svelte, and feel like the initial effects of doing your body good have worn off- they probably have.

When you first start a new exercise regimen you see a big change. You are noticibly dropping weight (but a lot of that is water weight- another reason to keep your salt intake low) and of course you are reaping the benefits of a better mood and perception about your body because you are actively doing something to change it.

However, the same routine day in and day out can only take you so far. It is great if you want to maintain where you are, but if you are seeking to continue molding yourself into your desired version (um, I’ll take a Halle Berry body please) then you need to add in something else.

As the highly evolved species we are, humans are very adaptable creatures. So, when we first do an exercise program our bodies work hard and use lots of energy calories to perform the tasks. But our bodies are smart and they soon figure out how to streamline the operation, and use the least amount of energy- pretty easy to do if you are throwing the same thing at them everyday.

Bottom line, if you want to push past this plateau your body has comfortably decided to settle into, you need to keep it guessing. Add intervals to your workouts. Even if it is 30 seconds (I try to do a range between 30 sec- 2 min). They don’t need to be everyday- but should be incorporated about 3 times a week. An interval constitutes an elevated amount of effort, so this could be an increase in speed or resistance- hello sprints and stair step-ups!

I know that doing intervals doesn’t sound appealing, but trust me, do them and you will start to see your body change again- which is really worth it since you are already putting forth the effort to exercise at all. ;)