Hanging on to exercise routines that don't produce results can be a waste of time. The challenge is in gauging the effectiveness of your regular workout regimen. You don't want to judge an exercise routine too quickly. On the other hand, if you have been at it for weeks on end and are not seeing any positive changes, you know it's time to do something differently.

The goals of exercise routines vary by the individual. One person may be focused on losing weight. For another, gaining greater strength and flexibility is a large priority. To determine whether your exercise regimen is effective, you have to first outline your goals. Your goal may be to become toned enough to fit into last year's jeans. Clearly identify your goal and then look closely at your workout to determine if you are doing the right activities to meet those goals. If you are trying to lose fat, you'll want to incorporate an adequate amount of cardiovascular activity. When greater muscle strength is the goal, you want to integrate weight training. For greater flexibility, you'll want to stretch daily.

Once your goal is firmly outlined and you have carefully designed your workout regimen, you have to invest enough time before making an assessment. For example, make sure that you are exercising at least several times per week for at least a half hour each time. Some exercise routines do not produce results simply because they are not done often enough or long enough. After a period of about four weeks of regular activity you should see some results. You should feel a bit leaner, stronger and more flexible, depending on your specific goals and activity level.

One of the factors that prevents progress during exercise is when you do not perform the exercise fully or correctly. For example, you may be taking an aerobics class regularly but not really feeling a workout. This may be because the class is easy for you. Or, it is possible that you are not lifting your legs as high as you can or are not exerting as much energy as the others in the class. Tuning into your personal activity level and whether or not you are making the most of each exercise session is important before assessing the effectiveness of the workout.

After establishing your exercise goal, giving your workout enough time and gauging your activity level in each session, you're ready to make a decision. If you have been walking long distance for weeks, for example, and you are not seeing results, you might want to try another activity or enhance the present activity. You might walk with hand and ankle weights. You might walk faster than usual. Or you might try another activity altogether, such as step aerobics or riding a stationary bike where you can control the intensity to see greater results.