BOSTON -- Sometimes when we've been doing the same exercise routine for a long time, our bodies adjust to the workload and stop responding in the way we'd like.

What at first seemed very effective doesn't seem to work any longer. If you feel like you've reached a plateau, try these tips to jump-start your body again:

Change your exercise routine just a little -- try a different class or use a different piece of exercise equipment (i.e. switch from a treadmill to a recumbent bike or stair climber)

Add one more day a week to your exercise schedule

Increase your aerobic workout time by five minutes. If you are currently doing 30 minutes of cardio, try doing 35 minutes (small amounts of increase at a time!)

Mix up your diet just a bit. Make sure you are not choosing the same things all the time. Keep variety in your food choices as well as your exercises