When it comes to working out, a lot of us are creatures of habit. We head for the same pilates class, do the same circuit while weight training, or run the same route each time we lace up our running shoes. Of course, regular exercise is good for you, but mixing up your fitness routine can provide extra benefits.

Here are three reasons why you should consider varying your workouts:

Prevent Overuse Injuries
When you do the same exercise every day, you risk suffering from repetitive stress injuries. These are a gradual buildup of damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves from repetitive motions. When you mix up your workouts, you give those overused muscles, joints, and ligaments a chance to rest and recover before putting them into action again. And if you do get hurt, doing an alternative workout that doesn’t stress the same part of the body can allow you to stay in shape and heal at the same time.

Avoid Workout Boredom
If you are always doing the same exercise routine, even the most devoted can get bored. Changing up your workout keeps things from getting stale. Taking a challenging hike instead of hopping on the stairmaster at the gym can help maintain motivation and enthusiasm.

Boost Your Brain Health
Exercise is essential for keeping your brain sharp and help prevent memory loss. Incorporating new workout activities offer a challenge to keep those neurons firing better. Doing a variety of exercises that keep you engaged can improve brain health.

Remember, change is good – even when it comes to exercising. Your body — and brain — will reap benefits when you try new activities and vary your fitness routine.