No workout should ever be too hard, unmanageable or out of reach.  There is always an option for working out.  I’ve learned a great deal about workout modifications and the main thing about working out is making it work for YOU!  There’s no reason to be afraid to try something because you think it’s going to be too hard because there is always a way to modify to your needs and abilities.  And if you’re worried what other people are going to say, don’t worry.  People really aren’t paying that much attention to you at the gym.  Everyone is focused on their own thing.

There’s no reason to be afraid to try something because you think it’s going to be too hard because there is always a way to modify to your needs and abilities.  And if you’re worried what other people are going to say, don’t worry.  People really aren’t paying that much attention to you at the gym.  Everyone is focused on their own thing.

Last week, I went to Group Blast which is a step class.  I was nervous about it because I’m balanced challenged and I have big feet. I just needed something new in my workout and I’m glad that I went.  Was I capable of doing everything?  No way.  I made it work for me and I was kind of forced to sit out of a track because I knew it was beyond my current abilities.

Cardio is very easy to modify because there is always a low impact option.  There’s no jumping, skipping or really leaving off the ground.  You can decide your intensity.  If you’re walking on the treadmill, then don’t put the incline on at all or push it up to a level you can maintain.

Here are some ways I modify my workouts:

• Instead of doing push ups on my toes, I will get on my knees to finish my sets.  Plus, this helps build your form so that you can CORRECTLY do a toe push up.
• Instead of squatting with a bar on my back, I’d use a kettle bell.  It reduces the pressure on the lower back.
• And it’s always an option to use a lower weight in any exercise you are doing.
• I don’t really stand up during an indoor cycle class.  Sometimes it’s just too much for me to handle and it’s just best to ride in the saddle.

Just remember you are still getting a GREAT QUALITY workout when you use modifications.  You are making yourself stronger so that you build to doing the full workout without modifications.

What should you think about when modifying your exercise?

The most important thing to think about is the purpose of the exercise.  Are you meant to keep moving? Are you working on building stronger hamstrings?  Those things are important in picking the right modification and if you don’t know, you can simply ask someone who is more experienced than you.  If you’re in a group fitness class ask the instructor for modifications.  People are extremely generous with their time if you’re really trying to learn.  Just don’t ask them when they are in the middle of a set.

Here are some workouts that use modifications for you to try:

Fat burning HIIT Workout with Low Impact Options

Body weight HIIT Workout with Low Impact Options

I really hope this helps with your workout journey. Do you have any workout modifications that really work for you? Please share.