Six Tips for Workout Success
The below are in no specific order. I firmly believe we each need to rank them for ourselves according to our unique fitness and healthy living goals.
1. Don't chat.
Buckle down and make your exercise time one of complete focus. If you're uncomfortable donning an unwelcoming "mess with the bull and you'll get the horns" face try kicking your workout up a notch or five! If people see you are working at a level where you could carry on a conversation but it would be a challenge they're less apt to try & chat you up.
(Note:This tip isn't for everyone and is precisely what I was referencing above.
2. Plan ahead.
This is an obvious one yet, as with the 'park far from the gym entrance and burn extra calories by walking' idea, one many of us fail to do. Always take a moment to jot down/plan out your workout prior to starting. In addition, should you exercise at a gym facility, it's wise to arrived armed with a Plan B. That way, if the equipment you wish to use or the class you'd planned to take is occupied or full, you have no built-in excuse to throw in the proverbial towel and head home.
3. Change. Change. Change.
Keeping your workouts fresh and avoiding an exercise rut is crucial. In addition, if you're under any time constraints, you want to be even more careful not to let your body plateau. Change your routine every 6-8 weeks so your body (and mind) doesn't have the opportunity to grow complacent and stale.
Routine changes don't need to be dramatic. If you typically do long bouts of cardio try introducing interval training into the mix. If you tend to gravitate toward weight machines give resistance bands or free weights a try! Taken the same 9am Body Pump class for months? Perhaps it's time to step outside and power walk.
Sure, you can mix things up too much by trying a new workout on a daily basis---just listen to your body. We all know when our body (and brain) is used to and burned out on what we're currently doing. Keeping your body guessing is a sure way to consistently increase your fitness level.
4. Proper form.
No matter what your workout of choice, always check to be certain you're doing it correctly. This tip may sound like a no-brainer yet ponder the last time you were at the gym or walking/running outside.Did you notice anyone and think "Holy moley! She is going to injure herself." or (and be honest) "Whoa. That's not how you do that exercise!" and cringe inwardly?
Whether it's hiring a personal trainer for a session or two, asking an instructor for extra help, or renting a video so you can practice at home: good form is a huge way to get more from any time you spend exercising.
5. Set yourself up for success.
As with all things in life, it's important to create a workout routine which facilitates your success! Sleep in your exercise clothes so you wake up ready to go, set multiple alarms, find a workout partner, ask a friend to email you at the end of the workday to be sure you're heading to exercise: take the time to discover what best propels you toward success and harness that energy.
6. Visualization.
I am a firm believer in visualizing success in all aspects of my life. I know if I cannot imagine something occurring there's a pretty good chance it's not destined to happen. I visualize absolutely everything I'm working to create in my life and exercise is no different.
Take a moment (before you commence your workout) to visualize exactly what your exercise time will look like. Incorporate all senses so you can virtually feel, hear, and touch the experience you're about to have. Sports psychologists have found visualization key to self-confidence and motivation.
Keep these six tips in mind during your next workout and you can be confident you're getting the most out of whatever exercise routine you choose.
By Miz Fit
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