how often should one change their lifting routine....

[lift or die]

I was just wondering how long one should workout on the same routine before switching...

[SgtP]

I like to switch it up once a month. Sometimes just do the exercises in a different order and sometimes I will switch the actual routine. I get bored fast

[UGHQTempus]

When you stop making gains.

[lift or die]

ok.... i try and to mix my workout up bout every two weeks... still lifting the same area just different techniques... but i didnt know if that was a good way to go about it or not?

[russy_russ]

At least every 2 weeks to avoid a plateau with at least different volume / intensities

[lennoxchi]

I like to switch it up once a month. Sometimes just do the exercises in a different order and sometimes I will switch the actual routine. I get bored fast

you've got more patience than i. my workouts are never the same week to week. everytime i go to the gym its a new routine, keep my body guessing. when you know which exercises are appropriate for your body, say 8 different exercises for tri's, I'll keep switching them every time, 4 or 5 one week then the other 4 or 5 the next......etc. always switching. hard part is remembering all that crap......sometimes i forget pin #'s for bank cards or passwords for various internet sites......but never the exercises.

[Rosie Chee]

I was just wondering how long one should workout on the same routine before switching...

Generally every 4-6 weeks, to avoid plateaus.

However, you can change your sessions weekly, just by making a few differences to exercises, order of exercises, sets, reps, weight, even following the "same" programme. You'll still be getting change and progress.

It's really up to the individual how and when they make changes. But you don't need to give your training programme a complete overhaul. As long as you know what you're doing, then subtle changes along the way is the best way to go, IMO.

[dedlifter1]

I agree ^^. I have my staple compounds, and i will rotate exersises about every 4 weeks. I think if your in tune with your body and its progression, you will know.

[Young Gotti]

never do the same exact workout twice...weather it's the specific kinds of lifts you do or the number of reps you do

[russy_russ]

never do the same exact workout twice...weather it's the specific kinds of lifts you do or the number of reps you do

Incorrect.

[UGHQTempus]

Why would you want to change things if you are still making good gains on whatever you are doing?

[dedlifter1]

never do the same exact workout twice...weather it's the specific kinds of lifts you do or the number of reps you do

This isnt really true. If you have not reached peak gains with a certain set of movements, there is no need to change them. The idea of muscle confusion is real, but it is certainly not necessary to change things every workout.

[jcp2]

The only thing i really gauge is my main lifts for the day, and sometimes my supplemental lifts. When i can't progress anymore, i usually either continue on with a lower rep range or switch the exercise around. I use progressive overload on just about everything. It can be 5 weeks or 15 doing the same thing as long as all goes well.

[lift or die]

ok... so i am still seeing growth than i shouldnt really change everything in my workout...

[Tone]

whenever you stop making gains, but if you are still making gains there is no reason to switch up... if it ain't broke don't fix it... when I hit a stand still I will do different grips, switch from dumbell to barbell, less weight more reps.. something to change it up, but i never make any drastic changes my workouts are pretty much always the same.

[lift or die]

whenever you stop making gains, but if you are still making gains there is no reason to switch up... if it ain't broke don't fix it... when I hit a stand still I will do different grips, switch from dumbell to barbell, less weight more reps.. something to change it up, but i never make any drastic changes my workouts are pretty much always the same.

alright man thanks....

[Matt6969]

i completely agree with UGHQTempus. no need to change while you are still making gains.

[Jmaths]

Change when you begin to hit a plateau. No need to force yourself to change routines after an arbitrary amount of time. Part of the fun of lifting is learning new methods of training and what your body responds to. It's very much a trial and error process.

[ptazz12]

I change mine everyweek. For example, if I start my Back workout with Pull-downs... I miht start the next week with D-lifts.

I'll also change up close-grip/wide-grip for different exercises every other week.

I'm always open for new ideas, so far this has worked pretty well though!

[brk_nemesis]

Every 3 months for me.... DC 3 day routine,.. then 3 months later change to a 5-day traditional routine. Works wonders for me.