Mix it Up to Stay Fit: The Power of Variety

This week I want to talk about something near and dear to my heart and that’s variety. Not the spice rack kind (though I do love a good turmeric shot), but the kind that keeps your body young, your mind sharp, and your spirit fired up for life.

You see, when people ask me the secret to staying fit, strong, and mobile well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond, I always say this: you gotta mix it up. Variety is the spice of well-being!

If your workout routine has been stuck in the same gear since 2003, it’s time to shake things up—and I’m not just talking about doing more burpees.

Let’s break it down.

Strength Training

You already know this one’s a non-negotiable. Muscle equals metabolism. The more lean muscle mass you maintain, the better your body burns fat, balances hormones, and supports your joints.

It also protects against age-related decline, falls, and even cognitive issues. But here’s the kicker—you don’t need to lift like a bodybuilder. Functional moves, resistance bands, or even bodyweight circuits like the ones we do in The Power of 4 by Tony Horton.. Game changers.

Cardio

Yes, your heart needs a workout too. But instead of pounding the pavement for hours, try mixing it up: jump rope, hike, bike, dance in your kitchen like a maniac.

I love to set up all the machines in my home gym and do a 2 minute circuit on each. 10 machines, 2 minutes each, 2 rounds. That’s 40 minutes of fat-burning cardio with lots of variety.

Remember, to keep it fun (cardio dance anyone?) and get that heart rate up. Interval training (short bursts of high intensity followed by rest) is one of the most efficient ways to boost cardiovascular health and torch calories—fast.

Yoga & Mobility Work

This one’s a sleeper hit. I used to ignore yoga until I realized how much my joints, back, and brain loved it. Yoga improves flexibility, reduces inflammation, and helps you recover faster. Plus, it builds strength in ways most people overlook.

Ever try to hold Warrior III for 60 seconds? Not easy, my friend.

Don’t skip those mobility drills and dynamic warm-ups. Your warm-up isn’t just a formality—it’s how you prime your body to move better and avoid injury. Think: leg swings, shoulder rolls, or foam rolling before a session. A body that moves well stays well.

Mindfulness & Breathwork

Yep, I’m going there. Your nervous system needs love, too. Chronic stress equals chronic inflammation—which equals bad news for your body.

Taking 5-10 minutes a day to breathe, meditate, or just sit in stillness isn’t weak—it’s warrior-level recovery. Combine it with yoga or post-workout breathwork and you’ve got a powerful longevity cocktail.

This is one of my favorite pillars inside Power Nation and we have so many great meditations with the founder of Unplug, Suze Yalof Schwartz that are simple to do and will change the way you feel about meditation.

Why Variety Wins

Doing the same workout over and over creates imbalances, boredom, and plateaus. Mixing it up keeps your brain engaged, your muscles guessing, and your results coming. The human body is designed to move in many ways—run, jump, crawl, stretch, lift, twist. So give it all to your body.

Remember, fitness isn't just about abs or lifting heavy things. It’s about being able to chase your grandkids, hike that epic trail, or carry your groceries without groaning. It’s about feeling good—inside and out—for the long haul.

So my advice? Rotate strength, cardio, yoga, and recovery throughout your week. Stay curious. Stay moving. And most of all—have fun with it.

If you dont’ know where to start and want to add more of that variety to your life, come try out Power Nation for with our FREE 14-day trial. We’ve got it all inside.

Because at the end of the day, longevity isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better.

Bring it!
—Tony