For the past few years, I’ve been obsessed with working out at the gym. It’s done wonders for my body and soul – I feel better, I’m healthier and I’m more energetic and happy.
But sometimes, just simply going to the gym isn’t enough. As you develop a workout routine, you also need to make sure your life suits the amount of added energy you’re spending at the gym. And you need to take things easy, progressively challenging yourself so you can maximize your workout.
End of the day, it’s not just about working hard but also working smart to attain your fitness goals.
Here are five things you can incorporate into your habits to ensure a more efficient workout at the gym:
1. Hydrate
This is very important for everyone and more so for gym-goers as they sweat a lot. Most people think that you only need to drink and hydrate while working out, but the truth is it takes a few hours for the body to absorb the water you drank.
I feel this during zumba practice… it’s so intense that I’m feeling dehydrated from the get-go. So I prepare a few hours in advance by making sure I constantly drink water. It makes a world of difference at my workout.
Therefore, make it a habit to hydrate throughout the whole day.
2. Eat your carbs
Many people are scared of eating carbs, but as long as you portion it out and make smart decisions about the carbs you consume, there’s no need for fear.
Remember that carbohydrates are the bodies’ main source of energy – it’s the one that fuels us throughout the day.
If there are not enough carbs in your body, and you are planning to do strength training or intense workouts, you will quickly lose the energy to work out. It’s best to eat slow-digesting carbs like whole grains for more endurance.
3. Start slow, then progress
If you’re just starting a workout routine, make sure you do not start with intense exercises. Take it slow and build your endurance.
If you are running or cycling, don’t overexert yourself to the point that you can no longer catch your breath while talking.
It may take a month or more for your body to build up the endurance. Once you do, you can take the intensity up a notch.
4. Mix up your workout routine
Sometimes our bodies adjust to the stress of the workout routines that we have established, and the exercise is no longer effective.
You can pick a cardio exercise you enjoy instead of just running all the time. Try swimming, hiking, and biking – they’re fun, active workouts. Or my personal favorite, dancing.
5. Take pre-workout supplement
Think of this habit as gearing up for the battle ahead. Nutrition plays a big part in a workout routine, and supplements take you to another level. They are usually used to pump up on necessary energy to get the best workout.
But with too many supplements in the market, the task of choosing the right one for you may seem daunting. Review sites like Fitness Informant are a good place to get a solid comparison on pre-workout supplements, enabling you to make an educated decision.
Do you exercise regularly? Share your tips below!
Thanks to Freepik for the original version of the featured image.
