8 Ways To Increase Your Workout Effectiveness

You might be working out religiously or maybe just a few times a week. Either way, no one wants to spend forever at the gym, but still get the most out of putting in hard work. Here’s how to supercharge your workout sessions.

1. COMMIT
It’s easy to straddle the line between wanting to be fit and actually doing something about it. Commitment and a proper routine are fundamentals to building a solid fitness ground. Keep it real and be honest with yourself; Am I really up for putting in the work, and what is my main goal? Settle in with your commitment and jump on a new fitness class or challenge to kick things off.

2. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
No game plan, no win. A trip to the gym can quickly become a complete waste of time without a clear idea of what you are going to do, so instead of wandering aimlessly from one piece of equipment to the next, map out your workouts for each week and set clear training goals.

3. STICK TO IT
Whilst your commitment and plan might align, life has a tendency to get in between and could probably mess up your routine a little down the road. Don’t stress though; there is still time to work out! Every move is better than none, so keep a pro-active mind-set, prioritize and have a look at your daily tasks and schedule to figure out when it is best for you it exercise. Remember; there is no “right” time to workout.

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4. ASK FOR HELP
It’s easy to want to maximize your weights or physical efforts from the get-go, but don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to the biggest or fittest person in the gym. Instead, get a proper fitness assessment, ask a trainer for advice or even invest in a few training sessions to learn the ropes. Coaches have shown to boost your performance and routine, and you’ll be aware of the do’s and don’ts right from the start.

5. MULTITASK YOUR MOVEMENTS
Double up the effect with compound exercises! Instead of isolating your muscles with exercises such as the bicep curl, maximize your time and effort by picking one that work out multiple muscle groups at once. Benefits? You get easier get a full body workout and your muscles are working together as they do in your every day life, rather than alone. Just make sure to not multitask your time; stay off firing away emails or texts in between sets!

6. MIX IT UP
It’s a great feeling when you finally get the hang of how to use a dumbbell or nail a dance choreography, but the more you challenge yourself to switch up routines the better. Your body will eventually adjust to the stress level and you won’t be getting an effective workout. For cardio, try to cross train rather than running every time and change your strength training every few weeks. Also, try to squeeze in one or two HIIT sessions; these are great to amp up your metabolism a little extra!

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7. REST
We are all for regular exercises and healthy habits. But too much of a good thing can actually be more harmful than beneficial. Overtraining can lead to your body and immune system breaking down, and this will only delay results. Focus on moderation and remember that the greatest results come from work AND recovery. Stretching, swimming or yoga are great recovery exercises and never underestimate the power of sleep!

8. DO YOU
Last but not least; don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have bad, stressful or de-motivating days and pursuing perfection can easily become a slippery slope. Remember to take your time, sweat, breathe loudly and skip the gym if you feel you need to. At the end of the day, health is about social, emotional and physical well-being, not just a perfect six-pack. Do you!

Words by: Photographs by: Getty Images