How often should I change my weight lifting routine?

Question

My concern is that my body will adapt to it and I won't see any gains. But I'm not sure how long is too long.

Answer 1

You should be changing your routine every 6 to 8 weeks. And you don't have to change everything. As long as you keep increasing the weights and your body doesn't adapt to the exercise that you are doing you can maintain a same routine. You might need to change the number of reps. So if you are doing 12 reps increase the weights and to 8 or 10 reps instead. If you are doing 3 sets do 4 sets. If you are bored with your routine change up the exercises. To get results you have to keep surprising your body so it does not plateau. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You should change your work outs every 6 to 8 weeks
You are right the body does adapt and change is very good I have been lifting weights for 30 some odd years and have many workouts feel free to email if you would like some innovative work out plans I spend a lot of time figuring out new a aggressive workouts that will shake up your body for the good

Answer 3

cynthia is right on the money...

changing the level of intensity is how your keep forcing the body to adapt to exercise and how you keep the CNS from burning out which results in a training plateau.

example: 1 High and Low Level Intensity Days

Based on the One Repetition Maximum for the Back Squat

1RM = 200 lbs

Week 1 (85%)

Mon - Low Intensity 60% of the 1RM

Back Squat
3 sets 120 lbs @ 10 Reps

Wed - High Intensity 85% of the 1RM
Back Squat
3 sets of 170 lbs @ 10 Reps

Fri - Low Intensity
Back Squat
3 sets of 120 lbs @ 10 Reps

Week 2 (87%)

Mon - Hi Intensity
Back Squat
3 sets 174 lbs @ 10 Reps

Wed - Low Intensity (60% of the HI day)
Back Squat
3 sets of 100 lbs @ 20 Reps

Fri - Hi Intensity
Back Squat
3 sets 174 lbs @ 10 Reps

Week 3 (89%)

etc...

* you can also do Low - Medium - High days, etc.

the purpose of varying intensity is to allow yourself to constantly progress the working loads over a period of time while allowing time for the CNS to recover to prevent over training or under-reaching as some call it