New exercise selection can be a fun and exciting opportunity to add variety to a well-worn routine. Few people like to be out of their comfort zone, or feeling like they are not very good at various activities. The result is that people end up with the same boring routine, repeating the same boring exercises. Many people even get upset when "their" cardio machine is taken at the gym. The routine is so repetitive that they always use the 3rd elliptical on the left! Think outside the box and liven up your routine. Commit to learning a new exercise, trying a new method of training, and explore new territory.

A lot of women are afraid to use free weights (dumbbells, barbells, etc) because they feel that these are only for men. They are afraid to do a bench press because that is the exercise that gives you big muscles. This thinking is not only incorrect; it can actually be preventing them from seeing the results they deserve. Free weights are appropriate for anyone.

If you are unsure, ask for help, read a book, or do some online searching, but do not avoid an exercise because you are unwilling to find out what it can do for you. Guys will rarely take a group exercise class, even though being more flexible (which you can get from yoga) will help them stay injury-free, lift harder, and get stronger/bigger. These same guys will spend a lot of time doing abdominal work, but do not do cardio hard enough. A cardio group class will burn hundreds of calories, which is an essential component for burning fat and for having the six pack be visible. 

The core and abs can be trained by doing single-sided exercises, and exercises that force you to maintain your balance. Plyometric exercises (jump training) are great at burning calories because of the interval nature of the exercise and the high intensity that can be achieved. These can be done at varying levels of difficulty, but are appropriate for the majority of exercisers.

By trying new exercises, you work different muscle groups, or work the muscle in a slightly different manner. For example, lat pull down wide grip and narrow grip both work the back muscles, but the wide grip is more difficult and puts greater strain on the shoulder. A new exercise can be as simple as changing the hand positioning. Instead of running the same route, drive to a neighboring city, get out of the car and start your run from there. Try walking backyard or sideways on the treadmill. Variety is the spice of life!

A new exercise will challenge you in different ways. It will encourage the body to continue to adapt. You may find that you dislike some of the new exercises that you do. Make sure you do them enough times so that your body learns the movement. Even during this learning phase, the body is adapting. Perhaps a new exercise will help an existing injury and give the overused muscles a break. Maybe the new exercise will make you appreciate your current routine. For all the potential benefits, it is imperative that you try a new group of exercises, and that you constantly visit the 'new routine buffet". Bon appetite.