I love both though I would still prefer having a routine because I don't really like having a disorganized or erratic schedule. Having a routine makes me disciplined and systematic

@Alberto Routine is necessary, it depends on how people see it. As I wrote it, I cannot imagine life without routine. I have a routine of running because I like to be physically better. Endurance is built over time.. It is the same with talents and skills, even billionaires have routines. A routine of waking up early of a routine of eating fruits. It's just that in the first part of my story, I said that some people struggle with routine, there can be some reasons such as they don't like their job.

I have a routine of running the same mountains but it is not the same each time I run it. There is always a new element added.

You are correct in saying that routine is needed to achieve what we need to achieve in life.

Routine can be a useful tool in order to achieve whatever you try. In this conception it means a set of doings to sustain along a certain period of time with a final aim. This is a willing use of the routine.

The problem, as it has been said in this thread, arises when it becomes mandatory, when we are forced to live under restrictions against our will.

Said that, do you guys think that there are two days alike? I doubt it.

As the philosopher said: no man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.

The more ability to appreciate the nuances of daily life, the more you enjoy them.

Both certainly have pro’s and con’s. The main determining factor is what is the OUTCOME goal of your training and exercise. For example, if you are looking to achieve muscle growth or a lean physique and you are a beginner to weight training from a fairly sedentary background, then a routine program would suffice.In this scenario, I would prescribe a full body resistance training program that would be 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions at manageable weights for somewhere between 4-6 weeks; this would then be reviewed and then would be adapted based on the feedback received. If my client enjoyed this routine then I would adapt the exercises,sets and reps so they don't plateau (I.e. become used to the same exercises so they are no longer as effective). The main benefit to routine training is it is very easy to follow and effective for tracking progress I.e. increase in reps, increases in weights lifted etc. It is also very feasible to gradually progress; this is known as progressive overload. Progressive overload is when you introduce slight adaptions to the program to implement a change e.g. Bench Press 3 sets x 10 reps 40kg. Progressing to Bench Press 3 sets x 10 reps 45kg. Personally I am a huge fan of variety in my exercise and training(called non-linear training). It is when you mix up your regime e.g. varying exercise, varying sets and rest times etc. I really enjoy this style of training as I never get bored and can really challenge my body with higher weights, longer sprints etc. I will always change my regime so it seems more freestyled whilst still tracking the program I do on the day– this means that I can still monitor progress I.e. increases in weights, reps etc. I find the top benefit to variety in training is that boredom doesn’t set in. So which one works best? The answer is it depends on what level you feel you are at and your experience with training. Both are beneficial but if you are not sure which one you think might work best for you do consult your PT.

I would prefer variety. And it is possible to convert routine in some variety if you want to see something new,to learn something new