[markkk]

Athena-

I'm pretty sure that you dont HAVE to change your routine. I think that it's suggested, as another tool in keeping your muscles always guessing instead of adapting to a certain routine. I read an article at Bodybuilding.com about myths and one of them was that you always have to change up your routine to build muscle. The article suggested that if you find a certain exercise that you like doing and it's productive, than there's no reason why you shouldnt stick with that routine for awhile, not forever, but awhile should be OK. I dont think you need to change things up at a certain time or point, but I do believe that if you have been at it for awhile and starting to plateau that making changes might be what you need. The most important thing is just to stick with it. I have so many friends that get into working out for a few months at a time, and just when they are getting somewhere, they quit for awhile. Its like 3 months of working out, 2 weeks of not working out, a month of working out, 12 days of not working out, 14 days of working out, a month of working out. They run that kind of routine and then get so frustrated. If you have been going for 8 months now you pretty much have the hardest part done, and thats making the exercise a part of your daily routine. I would say you are well on your way to getting in fabulous shape.

That last sentance was cheesey as hell sorry.