Is it okay to do the same exercises all the time?

When I lift weights, I do the same exercises. Lunges, squats, bench press, lat pull down, bicep curls, leg flexion/extention, bent over row, shoulder raises, tricep extensions, ab work and back extensions. I do 2 sets of 12 on everything and this takes me about 35 minutes.

I try to vary the order in which I do the exercises, and I up the weight when I'm starting to feel like it's too easy. I always feel like I got a good workout. Let me know what you guys think.

Sounds like you are doing a full body workout. As long as you give your body time to recover (48hrs) it's good.

However, you might want to focus more on compound movements, like the lunges, squats, bench press (or pushups), lat pulldown (or pullups), bentover row.

The curls, leg curl and extension, shoulder raises, triceps extensions, abs, and back extenions (not sure about that one) are isolation and aren't as useful.

You might want to add in to the compound movements - deadlifts and shoulder press (since you are missing a verticle push).

I can add in the shoulder press, thanks! I just wanted to make sure my body wasn't getting too used to the particular exercises I'm doing. I constantly up the weight, so it always feels challenging.

At some point you might want to switch exercises just to mix up your muscles. Even changing your grip (wider or narrower grip, or for shoulder press turning the palms in or facing forward) can show you how much your muscles have memory and learn a certain movement.

Have you looked at New Rules of Lifting for Women - it keeps giving new variations of exercises, while keeping things balanced.

That is kind of my question, I always do the elliptical for my cardio.

I have a bad heel and walking on the treadmill or even walking the track becomes painful after about 10 to 15 minutes BUT I can work on the elliptical for a couple hours at a time without pain.

So my question is, is it OK to just do cardio on the elliptical so long as I vary my workouts and resistance?

I also get in 2 days of strength training along with cardio and vary those exercises from week to week.

Thanks

Ree