Have you ever worked yourself into a rut? I mean do you find yourself doing the same aerobic and strength building exercises day in and day out? There is always the danger of an extended plateau!
Well I have been trying to vary my routine more this year out of the box. I have found that I like my jogging a little too much – mostly because I can think while I am doing repetitive exercises; and I love to think.
I’ve probably put in 10 to 14 hours a week over the past few weeks with bag work, jogging, walking and weights. This weekend I introduced a couple of different activities to change things up some. Bicycling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)!
I pumped out the bicycle tires that had lost air pressure over the last six months and went out on a (albeit muddy) bike ride! Wow that was fun but my butt is sore! I guess I have to work up to time on the bike again.
I decided to take a more active role in martial arts as I have lost 30 pound and I am starting to push the weight loss and diet again. I had to choice of regular karate group class and sparring on the weekends or jumping into a BJJ class on Monday nights. I chose BJJ because I remember how much of a workout wrestling was from my grade school days and I want to gain that skill set.
Well let me tell you that BJJ was everything I expected. It is a lot of work and will take some significant time to get good. I will have to be in great shape (not just round) to hang with these guys so I’ll really enjoy this! I plan on continuing BJJ for the next year or two.
Well that all for this quick update. I hope all is well with your chosen workouts and remember if things get stagnant, figure out what other activities you like and go for it!

I was just starting to workout with a friend whose rank was in BJJ, but he moved. I wrestled in college, and I think that BJJ not only adds to that skill, but is an excellent other way of thinking about self defense. The Gracies really came up with a new martial art when it seemed there was nothing new to be found. I do think some of the Kenpo moves will be effective against their very open stance, but if they know what I can do and I know what they can do, it’s even money on the outcome
.-= Dr. J´s last blog ..Who needs a Stairmaster when you’ve got a Golden Retriever? =-.
Hi Dr J!
I’ve had two lessons so far and I am happy they are letting me try stuff. It is also way more of a workout than I normally get it seems.
What I like so far is it is more interesting than wrestling… more ways to win. So far I don’t really know what to do though so I end up being fresh meat for the other guys and gal… well it is fun learning!
John, I think it’s great that you are mixing things up. It really is important and you have done an amazing job!
.-= Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..My Trip To Meet Dr. Oz =-.
Thanks Diane! By the way I caught you on the Dr. Oz show… Good Job!
It is always awesome to have a fit body and mind and we do this through effective program on exercise… Have you ever tried working out at the same time learning martial arts? I have enrolled in a class last this year and I thought I will be just developing my fighting skills but not just that. I became physically fit as well. Now I do martial arts not just for self defense but also as my exercise.
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