Working out can be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t seen gains in the gym. We all want each workout to bring about new personal records. Follow these tips and see improvements in no time.
It Starts in the Shower
Everyone has a routine before heading to a workout. There are a few things you need to do to get you’re A-game on. We suggest cranking up your favorite pre-game music while taking a quick shower. Not only will the music get you pumped for a hard workout, a shower can reduce the bacteria on your skin that causes that “not so pretty smell” when you sweat. You can also prevent some physical issues like chaffing by removing body hair with a sharp, clean razor before your cardio workout. Bonus, hair removal can also cut down on the resistance you feel while swimming, running or cycling.
As many of us know our physical capabilities start in the kitchen. How we fuel our body directly impacts our daily performance. Eating a well-balanced diet can help lead to a great workout. Whether you’re weight training or doing cardio, having the right mix of protein, fiber and carbs will increase your odds of hitting that all-time high. While eating properly is important, it is equally as important to have the correct hydration too! Make sure you know how much water you need to drink.
Going into a workout with a plan, almost guarantees success. Most athletes say that setting specific exercises to certain days helps. Creating a workout plan, allows you to take the proper time to target specific muscle groups. Part of your workout plan should include a variety of music to fit the different exercises you plan to do. Thankfully, music streaming services have made this easy by crafting workout specific playlists.
You have a plan, you’ve eaten correctly, now it’s time to begin. Start by warming up your muscles with some light cardio. Hit the treadmill for a brisk walk or light jog. Do this for 5-10 minutes to ensure that your muscles are all warmed up. This will help limit the tearing and straining of the muscles, both of which can put you out of commission. If you’re someone who works out at home, consider purchasing a treadmill to ensure that you’re getting the proper warm-up. Using the right gear is vital in ensuring your body is warmed up for your workout.
Your muscles are warmed up so you may be eager to jump right into the heavy stuff. Wait, take a minute, grab a mat and stretch it out! Stretching is just as important as eating correctly, this also helps limit the risk of injury. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible and healthy, which helps maintain the range of motion in your joints and allows you to get the most out of your workout. Making sure your muscles are ready to have a peak performance day is key to a killer workout.
The time has come, jump into that workout and give it your all. You’ve done all the prep work to get yourself ready to hit those personal records, now all you have to do is CRUSH IT. While you’re going through your workout remember to take some breaks in between sets. These rest periods are the perfect time to check your heart rate and grab some water!
1 comment
Thank you for sharing this. I’ll remember this when i’m feeling lazy to go to the gym. Thanks again :)