switching up your exercise routine?

hello!

i'm trying to get into exercise more, as i've never really had a set exercise routine. i've read in many places that you're supposed to switch it up every 2-3 weeks though. is that because you'll get bored, or because you'll hit plateau?

thanks!

I'm no expert, but from what I've experienced, you should add just a little more time or little more intensity each week you work out.  It takes more intensity as you lose weight. 

Anyone, feel free to correct me/add on to this.  I have equipment in my basement and I do the same weight lifting, treadmill, stretching, etc... just longer or more intense each week.  But to make it more interesting, you could always slowly add in another activity to your routine...

~kae

If you change your exercise routine every 2-3 weeks, your body has to perform new movements. When you do something over and over again, you get better at it and it takes less energy to do. So for the purpose of burning calories, it's definitely a good idea to switch up your routine every few weeks so it doesn't get too easy.

thank you both for your responses! they're very helpful =]

Switching up every 2-3 weeks is overkill. It's helpful to change the overall routine more like every 4-6 weeks.    Within the same workout, it's good to have goals to challenge yourself, and improve performance every week. For example, lifting a little bit more weight, or running a little faster or further.  But don't try to increase too aggressively as you're getting started, that's the best recipe for injury.

thanks! haha, no, i didn't think i'd be able to change the whole thing every 2-3 weeks. there are only so many pieces of equipment in my school's gym, haha. i was just curious =] thanks again for your input!