Trust actors to spill their fitness secrets in great detail to their fans and followers. As such, when Alia Bhatt was asked about her fitness routine in an Ask-Me-Anything session on Instagram Stories, the young mother responded that she is a “work in progress kinda girl”.
Alia wrote, “I work out six days a week! Unless I’m travelling or not well. I do strength training four times a week and yoga/pilates along with some steady-state cardio the rest of the week. But I am always mixing it up because you don’t want your body to get too used to anything: Always a work in progress kinda girl.”
On her favourite food, she shared, “Poha and chaas – French fries – Dal Chawal + Bhindi + Tamatar ki Sabzi + tadka dahi – Spaghetti.”
Why does mixing up your workouts matter?
Mixing up your workouts is crucial for various reasons that contribute to overall fitness and well-being. “This practice, known as cross-training, involves engaging in different types of exercises to target various muscle groups, energy systems, and movement patterns,” said fitness expert Garima Goyal as she listed the various benefits.
Plateau prevention
From a physiological standpoint, diverse workouts help prevent plateaus in fitness. When you repeatedly perform the same exercises, your body adapts to the stress, and the effectiveness of the workout diminishes over time. This adaptation can lead to a plateau in strength, endurance, or flexibility gains. By incorporating a variety of exercises, you challenge your body in new ways, stimulating different muscle fibers and energy pathways.
Variety of workouts can help keep boredom away (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
All-round fitness
Moreover, diverse workouts contribute to a more balanced and well-rounded fitness level. Different activities emphasise distinct aspects of fitness, such as cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. For instance, running enhances cardiovascular health, while weightlifting improves strength and resistance training enhances muscle endurance. Engaging in a mix of activities ensures that you address all these components, promoting comprehensive fitness.
Prevents injuries
Cross-training also helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries. When you repeat the same movements frequently, certain muscle groups and joints bear the brunt of the stress, leading to strain and potential injuries. Incorporating varied exercises distributes the workload across different body parts which allows time for recovery.
Avoids boredom
Routine can lead to boredom, diminishing motivation and adherence to an exercise program. Introducing variety keeps workouts interesting and enjoyable, preventing monotony and promoting long-term commitment to a fitness routine. The excitement of trying new activities or challenging oneself in different ways can reignite enthusiasm and passion for exercise.
Enhanced cognitive function
Furthermore, the mental stimulation provided by varied workouts enhances cognitive function. Learning and mastering new movements, sequences, or techniques engage the brain, fostering neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility. This mental stimulation not only makes workouts more interesting but also contributes to overall cognitive well-being.
Mood enhancement
In addition, mixing up workouts can have positive effects on mood and stress management. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Trying different activities allows you to find those that resonate with you, providing a more enjoyable and effective means of stress relief. The diversity in workouts can also prevent burnout, a common issue when individuals stick to a monotonous exercise routine.
Functional fitness
From a performance perspective, cross-training enhances functional fitness. Functional movements mimic activities of daily living and improve your ability to perform everyday tasks with ease. By incorporating exercises that replicate real-world movements, you develop a more practical and versatile fitness foundation.
Athletic performance
Athletes often employ cross-training to enhance their performance in their primary sport. For example, a runner might incorporate strength training, swimming, or cycling to improve overall conditioning, prevent imbalances, and reduce the risk of sport-specific injuries. This strategic approach to training ensures a well-rounded skill set and minimizes the risk of overtraining in a specific modality.
This is Alia Bhatt’s fitness routine (Source: Alia Bhatt/Instagram Stories)
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