Q1 A: Should a fitness routine be changed and how often?

Answer: An excellent routine would be different every day, keeping your body guessing what its going to do next!!!  Plus you will use different muscles than doing the same activity day after day.  If you do the same activity though, then increase the intensity - time or weight you are using a little bit every time.  Then every couple of weeks change your cardio workouts from say running to biking.  Add a day of swimming or yoga or rollerblading.  Your body becomes very efficient doing the same routine, and will start using less calories if it is not challenged or changed in some way.

Q1 B: Dear Char:  What part does stretching play in a fitness routine?

Answer:  Stretching is very important.  However, it does not build muscle like strength training.  Nor does it burn calories like aerobic workouts.  It does take the muscles you already have and makes them longer, adding a better range of motion to your movement.  Also stretching after a workout decreases muscle soreness the next day.  Stretching should be a regular part of your exercise routine.

Q1 C: Dear Char:  What time of day is best to burn the most calories from a fitness workout?

Answer:  No matter what time you workout, you are still burning the same amount of calories.  It seems to me though, that working out first thing in the morning wakes up your metabolism, circulation and your heart rate.  I feel this effect last for hours.  But to stay with an exercise routine, pick the most convenient time for you.

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