One of the biggest problems people run into when trying to stay fit is that they don’t want to put in the hard work needed to keep their bodies healthy and strong. They go to the gym, but don’t stick with it for long enough to see any results; this can make them feel like working out isn’t worth it. However, if you use these 10 tips, you will be able to get an effective workout without sacrificing your time or your enjoyment!
1) Incorporate Intervals
One way to make your workout more effective is by using intervals. An interval, or a HIIT, is when you alternate between high and low intensity exercise for a predetermined length of time. For example, if you’re running in an interval training session, then you might jog at an easy pace for two minutes before sprinting as hard as possible for 60 seconds. You can apply this same strategy to any other form of exercise (although not all exercises will have the same benefits). Intervals are great because they allow you to push yourself much harder than just doing a steady state cardio session. For example, sprinting at full speed takes significantly more energy than jogging at the same pace.
2) Do Compound Movements
Incorporating compound movements into your workout routine will not only help you build muscle and burn fat, but it will also help you maintain a higher heart rate for a longer period of time. This can be achieved by incorporating exercises such as pushups, squats and lunges into your routine. The key is to remember that the more muscles involved in an exercise, the more effective it will be!
3) Use Free Weights
One way to make your workout more effective is by using free weights. Free weights are one of the best ways to target muscle groups, improve balance and stability, and increase power output. The drawback is that they take up more space than other equipment, but it’s worth it for the increased effectiveness of your workout.
4) Vary Your Repetitions
There are many ways that you can vary your repetitions, but one way is to do multiple sets of a lighter weight. A good example would be doing three sets of 10 reps with a light weight and then following up with three sets of 10 reps with a heavier weight. This will allow you to work different muscle fibers while still challenging yourself.
5) Take Rest Days
If you are trying to get the most out of your workout, it is important to take rest days. This will allow your body time to recover and grow stronger. You don’t want to overwork or injure yourself by not giving yourself a break every now and then. Rest days will also help you stay motivated because they provide a break from the same routine day after day.
6) Set Realistic Goals
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do too much too soon when starting a new exercise routine. That’s why it’s important that you set realistic goals for yourself so that you don’t get frustrated or discouraged when you’re not seeing the results right away.
Don’t go overboard on your first day and start out with an hour-long workout! Start with something manageable, like 30 minutes, and work your way up from there.
7) Incorporate a Challenge
If you are like most people, you probably feel unmotivated to exercise when the weather is cold or when it’s raining outside. The good news is that there are a lot of ways to make exercising more enjoyable. Try some of these ideas out and see if they help motivate you:
- Go for a walk with your dog or a friend. – Set up an obstacle course in your basement, backyard, or living room.
8) Make It Social
It’s a lot easier to enjoy your workout when you share it with others! Working out with friends or family members can be a fun way to stay motivated, or try joining a class like yoga, Pilates, Barre, or Zumba. You’ll not only get the benefits of an intense workout, but you’ll also make new friends in the process. If these don’t sound like your thing, try recording your progress and sharing it on social media.
9) Add in a Finisher
- Warm up properly. The best way to get your body ready for a workout is by warming it up with a light 10-minute jog, brisk walk or light stretch routine. This will help make sure you don’t injure yourself and reduce the risk of soreness after your workout.
- Change your routine as needed. If you’re finding that you plateau in terms of intensity, difficulty or enjoyment, it’s time to change things up!
10) Have Fun!
- Get a friend or a fitness buddy. It’s always more fun when you have someone to share the experience with, and you can help each other out when it gets hard. Plus, it’s nice to have someone who understands what you’re going through!
- Keep changing things up. You might think that if you keep doing the same workout all the time, you’ll see results, but your body will eventually get used to it and stop responding as much.