How To Get Better Results From Your Workout

How to get BETTER results from your workout. Here are some of our favorite tips to help you get better results in less time: 

Keep Yourself Motivated

Keep yourself motivated by keeping track of your progress. As we make progress we often forget how far we have come especially if we don’t keep track of where we began. For instance, write down the number of reps you can complete with a given weight or how many minutes of cardio you could do in the beginning. Also write down how often you are really exercising and what you are doing. Keeping a diary will not only show you how far you have come since starting your workout but will also provide valuable information if you’re not really making the progress you want. Often we think we are working out more often then we really are, so the diary “keeps us honest”. Mo

Work Out During the Workday

Get in some extra workout time during the workday. If you sit all day at work, it is difficult to make up for that that with just a few workouts a week. Try to work more activity into ALL areas of your life. Take the stairs whenever possible or take a walk at lunchtime. Just adding some extra regular activity will boost your metabolism and burn some extra calories.

Take Rest Days

Take rest days between weight workouts. Without sufficient rest, your muscles will not recover and rebuild. So make sure that you plan for a rest day in between your weight routines. This will help your muscles grow stronger and also help to prevent overuse injuries. Use the “days off” for and extra walk or bike ride.

Focus On Your Form

Focus on your form at all times. It is easy to become distracted when working out… but proper form is key. Using proper form allows you to target individual muscles and while also preventing injury. Think about the muscles you are working and pay close attention that you are using proper form. Distractions such as talking to a friend or watching TV while on a treadmill means you are less likely to watch your form and get the most out of each exercise. If you prefer to chat or watch TV while exercising be sure to stop and recheck your form regularly.

Get Enough Sleep

Be sure you are getting enough sleep. Sleep is an important factor in your overall health and weight management. Lack of sleep stresses the body and will increase your levels of Cortisol which can hinder your fat loss. Sleep is also essential to muscle recovery so that you can build muscle tissue. Most adults require 7-8 hours of sleep a night, so be sure you are getting proper rest between your workouts.

No Snack Sabotage

Don’t sabotage your workout with excess “pre and post workout snacks”. You do need proper nutrition to fuel your workout but be careful that you are not exceeding the calories you burn in your workout with extra workout snacks. If you do prefer to eat a snack pre and post workout, just remember it should be considered in your overall daily food consumption. Most “fitness supplements” such as powders, gels, and bars are created for endurance athletes and are not appropriate for light to moderate exercise . In most cases your overall diet is adequate to fuel your workout but if you are more sensitive to changes in your blood sugar then listen to your body and be sure to time your food so that you don’t feel overly tired during your workout. 

Incorporate these tips into your overall fitness plan and you WILL see results!