Maybe it’s the time of year when you want to start boosting your fitness, or perhaps you want to look at smart ways to get more out of the workout regime you already have.
Whatever your motivation there are plenty of ways to help you focus on what you want to do and improve the way you work out to get the results you’re looking to achieve.
If you’re just starting out, then these tips will work for you, and if you’re already in the workout zone they’ll help you get better results in less time.
Time limits and high intensity
It’s not the amount of time that you spend working out, but the quality of that time spent. If you’re beginning, then you need to build up your endurance gradually, maybe by cycling or running regularly for a month or so before you go for high-intensity work.
If you have already built up a good exercise base, then focus on that high-intensity workout. You need a warm up period to get your muscles prepared and then range through a series of exercises in short, intensive bursts before giving yourself warm-down time. Whether you are interested in strength or endurance training, or just toning and keeping fit, you must listen to and look after your body. Too much work and it can hurt; too little and you won’t get that much benefit.
Plan your workouts
It’s amazing how many people don’t plan what they are going to do when working out but it’s an essential part of keeping control of your exercise regime. Decide what you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve your goals.
If cardio is your thing, there are many options to enjoy. You can swim, cycle, row, walk, run and hike; they are all great ways to boost your fitness and energy levels. Build your endurance and test your muscles and lungs by gradually increasing your distances and set yourself specific targets.
Strength training can be done without concentrating on one muscle group, though again it depends on what you want to achieve. Bicep curls, for example, are okay if you need to build core strength in your upper arms but think about workouts that will work out a range of muscle groups at the same time. Compound exercises get your muscles to work together as they do in real life, so look at doing squats, pushups, lunges, deadlifts, pullups and bench presses as some of the techniques to get more out of your workout.
Wear the right gear
Exercise is hard work, and if you don’t have the right clothing, you could hamper your progress. It doesn’t have to be designer kit, though there’s plenty of stylish sports clothing that can add to your enjoyment of your workouts, whether in the gym or the open air. It’s definitely worth checking out what’s available.
High quality sneakers will protect your feet from the pounding they will take when running and give you support for all the other exercise that you undertake.
Developing the right posture for your exercise is a key part of protecting your body from possible injury, and helping to build correct posture can be assisted by a posture shirt that gives support and aids recovery when you’ve had an intensive workout. If you don’t listen to your body you become more prone to the possibility of injury, so your clothing can make a real difference, being a help rather than a hindrance.
Work on your diet
If, as has been said, your body is a temple, then feed it well. You do need protein and carbs when you’re working out, but you must eat healthy foods. Burgers and chips aren’t going to cut it, and though they’re not off the menu then be sparing with them. Look to bananas and other fruits to give you a boost with shakes, and avoid processed foods. Healthy eating is often all about preparing and cooking your own meals. Yes, it takes time, but you could make plenty in one go, such as pasta or rice dishes, and freeze portions for using later. It’s an effective and cheap way of maintaining a good diet.
Look after your body
You’ve only got one body so look after it. When you get the balance between your workout regime and lifestyle right you’re in the perfect place to lead a healthy and fulfilled life.
