How often to switch out exercises for shocking the body?

[ronbrgundy]

Example: Today did arms (bicep/tricep)

BICEPS
Seated preacher curl
One arm hammer curls , arm over the preacher pad
One arm cable curls

TRICEPS
Dips
Overhead French Press standing
One arm cable tricep pull downs


I have tried many different splits before.. right now I am trying this split until my workout stagnates or plateaus.

DAY 1:  Back / Chest / Shoulders
Day 2:  Legs
Day 3:  Biceps / Triceps (arms)
Day 4:  Off.. then repeat


Getting to the question.  Recently I asked some experienced bodybuilders how often they change their exercises.  The first guy said every 2 weeks he will change the exercises out for different ones.  He has a great physique but is young.  The second guy said every 2 months.  He is older and has a great build but more like the tank physique of someone powerlifting 20+ years. 

I think the answer might be to each his own?  What do you guys personally do?  Give me all your information! 

[webcake]

certainly not every 2 weeks. I just do it whenever i feel like it. No set formula. Or maybe just small changes, like yesterday i did back and finished with deads, whereas normally i start with deads.

[CalvinH]

I try never do the same workout twice.

[LatsMcGee]

I think it's important to change something every 4 to 6 weeks,  this could be something as simple as changing set and rep schemes.   I think changing for the sake of change is a big mistake. 

[benchmstr]

i do something different everytime i workout....

bench

[YoungBlood]

I try for for at least 2-3 workouts of the same exercise, rep scheme and tempos. Depending on what's available, what my schedule is like etc...I will try to do 6 workouts then switch.

Charles Poliquin advocates up to six workouts, other strength coaches far more- up to 12 workouts for the body part being trained. CP also says it depends on the athlete, and his/her goal; triathlete or BBer or high jumping? All different sports and have different demands.

I have never liked the "I never repeat a workout" type attitude- it's not for me. I find that you have to give the muscle a repeated stimulus in order for it to adapt, if it does not receive that repeated stimulus, it will be become more resistant to adapting/growing in an optimal fashion.