Training hard is great; but what about training hard and smart? What if you could get more out of your workout; what if every time you went to your local gym, it counted that little bit more? This would be great right, but you’ll already be asking, how do I do it? Well, read on and we’ll see just how you can take your gym routines to the next level…
Diet
They say that abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. Certainly, most people overlook the impact that their diet has on their workouts and underestimate how even simple planning can boost the returns. If you are looking for fitness, think complex carbs for fuel, well sourced protein for recovery and essential fats for the overall health of the tissues etc. If you are looking to boost muscle tone, think differently, protein primarily. If you are looking to lose weight, 500 less consumed calories is easier than 500 more burned.
Whatever your goals, your body will have to function irrespective, so learn to understand food better, and incorporating this into your everyday life will mean that when you get to your local gym, that you will benefit much more.
Journal
An honest and contemporaneous journal will identify all that you have done, rather than all you think you have. You’ll soon, by looking over it, identify any weakness, time wasted, or exercises/routines that are not working for you.
Plan
Far too many turn up to their local gyms without a plan. They think they know their aims but they have no idea how to get there. You wouldn’t walk to London, and so like any journey, plan ahead.
Help
Know why personal trainers look good – because they know their business! So there is nothing wrong with getting a little help. If your accountant does your tax returns, apply the same logic when it comes to your gym time.
Events
Ever thought of an event, like a triathlon, or body building contest to spur you on. You might run a marathon for charity, or do it for self-satisfaction, but having a date as a deadline will spur you on in the local gym.
Sport
Likewise, try a different sport, or a martial art like kickboxing. Ever wonder why most fighters are fit and healthy, it’s their diet and training. So by emulating this, you too can achieve new goals.
Warm Up
Nobody trains well with injuries, and proper warm-ups and stretches help avoid these occurrences. Always warm up, stretch and cool down properly to train like a pro.
Time
Your time in the gym needs to be invested wisely and one way of doing this is in fact by time restriction. This will focus your mind when you are in the local gym to use it properly instead of like a social club.
Goals/Standards
Set difficult but achievable goals, and once met, shift them forward. At the same time always strive to reach and surpass your current standards; documenting each in your journal.
HIIT
Undertake high-intensity impact training for your cardiovascular. After all if you are going to work, make it hard right?
Rest
The body needs rest, so give yourself at least one day off per week. Muscles need time to grow so never over train them and let your body recover.
Mind
The most important muscle of all – ensure your mind is focused, but never stressed, and give it time off too.
Do all of these and your routines will truly be next level. Enjoy!
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Photo: Getty Images
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