Going to the gym isn’t rocket science, but there are certain things you can do to make your workouts more effective. With the commitments of daily life keeping you busy day in and day out, and limiting how much time you have to dedicate to the gym, it’s important to make the most of every workout. Whether you’re doing HIIT workouts or weight lifting, maximizing your gym session can make every moment count, help you achieve your goals faster, and take your physical fitness regimen to the next level.
So, how can you make your workout more effective? Try these 3 tips to start with.
Wear the Right Clothing
Your clothing might be the last thing on your mind when you’re getting ready to work out, but it can actually make an impact on the quality of your gym session. Wearing the wrong clothing can lead to uncomfortable chafing that slows you down, excessive sweating, and even overheating. From your underwear to your shoes, you need to rethink your workout wardrobe if you haven’t already been investing in key pieces. For starters, we recommend:
•Breathable shorts
•Moisture-wicking shirts
•Well-fitting training shoes
•Performance underwear
•Athletic socks designed to keep feet dry
And if you’re a man of style, there are plenty of ways to increase your workout swag. Fitness brands like Rhone make it easy to look and feel your best during every gym session. Even if you’re on a budget, you can find affordable pieces to gradually bring your workout wardrobe up to par for unparalleled performance and comfort.
Minimize Soreness & Fatigue
One of the biggest obstacles that stand in the way of your fitness goals is lack of motivation, which is often influenced by how tired and sore you are. While some soreness is a good thing—that’s how you know your muscles are growing and repairing—too much discomfort can persuade you to skip your next workout.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to manage soreness and fatigue so you can stay motivated, including:
•Eating the right post-workout meal (focus on protein intake)
•Making sure you warm up and cool down
•Getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours is recommended for adults)
•Try supplements or CBD (CBDfx offers high-quality CBD oils)
•Soaking in Epsom salt to reduce inflammation
You should also make sure to vary your workouts so you don’t overexert certain muscles groups, which can lead to injury. Why risk having to lose your gains when all these tips are easy to implement into your fitness regimen?
Plan Your Workouts Ahead of Time
As with any aspect of your life, a plan is key in getting the most effective workout every time. With a plan in place before you even head to the gym, you’ll be able to get straight down to business as soon as you walk in. Having a plan can also reduce time wasted at the gym (giving your heart rate time to slow back down) when you’re trying to figure out your next move and help you make sure you max out calories burned.
You can write out your plan in a digital or paper daily planner—these ones by Commit30 help you set and stick to your fitness goals—or simply add it to the notes app in your phone. To create a plan for your next gym session, start with these steps:
1. Determine what your focus will be for the day (legs, arms, abs, or full body)
2. Note which specific exercises you’re going to do (and how many reps)
3. Decide what time you’ll go to the gym and for how long
4. Pack your gym bag the night before or in the morning
5. Choose a playlist (or make your own) so you don’t have to spend your workout hitting the skip button every three minutes
Planning out your workouts lends a lot of the benefits you enjoy with a personal trainer—more organized workouts, constant movements, and the ability to fully get in the zone. Don’t wait to make these changes to your gym routine. The sooner you’re able to optimize your workouts, the sooner you’ll reap the benefits. But don’t take our word for it, try it for yourself.
