EUGENIZATION.

Above: Very…impressive, but you still shouldn’t vary your workouts just for variety’s sake.

Reading this post on Seth Godin’s blog reminds me of a very good point. As Seth says,

“…if it (a business)* doesn’t work when you’ve got one (location)*, it’s extremely unlikely to work when you have dozens.”

*added by me for clarification

I’m often asked, “How often should I change up my workout?”

The answer? When things stop working. When you’re growing farther away from your goals instead of closer.

There’s a flip side to that coin, of course, which is precisely what Seth was talking about. Being consistent with a flawed workout or nutrition plan may be commendable, but it won’t make any more changes to your physique. In other words, if something is clearly not working, doing it with renewed vigor isn’t going to get you anywhere!

Case in point: An otherwise smart guy, Dr. Robert Arnot, detailed his personal struggle with his diminishing health and performance in the 80s while running and following a high-carb diet. He switched to eating more protein and less pasta and took up strength training, and proceeded to lose fat and gain 30 pounds (!) of muscle in his forties, having been a life-long athlete.

Dr. Arnot should have seen that what he was originally doing wasn’t working for him. In changing his approach, he did the right thing (it took him long enough).

I’ve had many clients over the years approach me with the ambition of running a marathon. One lady in particular said, “I’ve been trying for years to qualify for the NY marathon. Every year, I come close, but by week 13 I develop plantar fasciitis and can’t run for months.” This person is a prime candidate for a goal reevaluation. And, I certainly wouldn’t suggest doubling up on her efforts for next year.

Program variation cheat sheet:

• If your progress stalls (more than 3 workouts in a row), then change your approach.

• If your performance suffers (times, weight lifted, scores), then change your approach.

• If your weight gain/loss hits a standstill (more than one week with no change in any of my 7 indicators), then change your approach.

Otherwise, carry on as you’re doing and continue to squeeze out as much gain from your current program as is possible. Enjoy that ride while it lasts!