Participants in the first group enjoyed their workout sessions 20 percent more than the members of the second group and 45 percent more than members of the third group. Among participants who stuck with the study through all eight weeks, the members of the first group were 15 percent more likely than the second group and 63 percent more likely than the third group to adhere to exercise on a regular basis. The group that had the variable exercise program and the group that had to pick one exercise but stick to a schedule adhered better than the third group due to the structured nature of the exercise prescription. Variety seemed to increase enjoyment in the first group, which helped them stick with the exercise program. The UF study confirms what many already believed, said Christine Spain, director of research, planning and special projects for the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Variety is good for other reasons, too.
You should do cardiorespiratory exercises one day and then strength training and flexibility the next and then alternate days. The findings also point to a relatively easy way for exercise beginners to start and stick with a workout routine, Janelle said. You can even try to vary who you work out with or whether or not you work out alone. And if you choose to go to a gym, there s so much to do that you can pick whatever you want that day. However, if you ve made the effort to vary your routine and find yourself leaning toward just one exercise, go with what makes you the happiest, Janelle said.