Hey there, fitness enthusiasts! Are you tired of staring at those same old dumbbells and barbells at the gym? Or maybe you’re just looking for ways to spice up your workout routine without resorting to heavier weights? Well, you’re in luck!
I LOVE playing around with different ways of increasing intensity! I use these in my own workouts, in client programming, and also in all my white label programs too. These tips help keep workouts FUN and ENGAGING – and results happening!
Here is my list of my TOP 7 ways to UP the Inentisty withOUT upping the weights …
- Up the Reps: One of the simplest ways to add intensity to your workout is to increase your repetitions. Instead of doing 10 reps, go for 15 or 20. This not only increases the time under tension but also enhances muscular endurance. Remember, the burn is your friend—it’s a sign of progress!
- Play with Tempo: Don’t just rush through your reps; focus on the tempo. Slowing down the eccentric (negative) portion of your exercises can be a game-changer. This controlled movement places more stress on your muscles, making them work harder and promoting muscle growth. For example, during a bicep curl, take 3-4 seconds to lower the weight.
- Change Up Your Range of Motion: Mixing up your range of motion during an exercise can engage different muscle fibers and add a fresh challenge. Try performing a partial range of motion followed by a full range of motion for one repetition. For instance, during a push-up, lower yourself halfway, then push all the way up for one rep. This keeps your muscles guessing and leads to better overall muscle development.
- Adjust Your Pillars of Support: Balance is not just for yogis and gymnasts! Incorporate exercises that challenge your stability. For instance, when doing single-leg squats or lunges, you activate your core and stabilizing muscles significantly more than in a standard squat or lunge. Using a bosu ball or balance board for exercises like planks or push-ups adds another layer of intensity.
- Work Isometrically One Side at a Time: Isometric exercises involve holding a position without movement. Focus on one side of your body at a time during certain exercises. For example, during a side plank, hold it on one side for 30 seconds before switching to the other. This not only boosts intensity but also helps identify and address strength imbalances between your left and right sides.
- Try It with Your Eyes Closed: While this may sound quirky, closing your eyes during exercises can be surprisingly effective. By eliminating visual feedback, your body relies more on proprioception (the sense of your body’s position in space) and kinesthetic awareness. This can make even simple exercises like standing on one leg or doing bodyweight squats feel significantly more challenging.
- Lose the Weights Entirely and Blast Out the Moves with Bands: Resistance bands are fantastic tools to intensify your workout without adding more weight. They create constant tension throughout the movement, engaging your muscles differently and giving you an effective workout. You can use bands for various exercises, including squats, rows, and chest presses.
Want to really FEEL each of these in action? Check out this Full-Body workout routine …
- Squats: Increase your reps to 20, slow down the negative phase, and try closing your eyes for a set.
- Push-Ups: Alternate between regular push-ups and one-arm push-ups for isometric work. Use bands to increase resistance for more intensity.
- Planks: Close your eyes during a plank and focus on one side (one-arm or one-leg planks) for added challenge.
- Lunges: Incorporate resistance bands for added resistance, and change up your range of motion with half and full lunges.
- Bicep Curls: Incorporate a slower tempo on the way down (negative phase) and increase your reps to 15-20.
- Rows with Bands: Use resistance bands to target your back muscles effectively. Ensure you maintain good form and control throughout each rep.
Remember, the key to success with these techniques is consistency and progression. Start slowly, gradually incorporating these methods into your routine, and keep track of your progress to ensure you’re continuously challenging yourself. These creative approaches will not only intensify your workouts but also make them more enjoyable. Stay motivated, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey to a fitter, stronger you! Your body will thank you for the variety and effort you put into your fitness routine.
Do YOU have any other tips or methods you use to up your intensity? I’d love to hear! Comment below!
xoxo
Ro ~ Your Online Fitness Specialist
