Whether you are planning on running more, lifting more, or just trying to spend more time in the gym, you are probably looking for effective ways to get these goals accomplished. You will need to learn how to train smart and this will help you in the gym, no matter why you want to be in there. Whether you are a die-hard gym goer, or you are just starting, here are a few tips to help you get into the gym spirit.
Drink Coffee
This may sound like the opposite of what you need to do, but you will be more willing to stay at the gym if you aren’t tired. Coffee can help stimulate your central nervous system to help give you that little push you need to finish that work out or class. You should drink coffee about a half hour before you get to the gym.
Have a Plan
When you walk into the gym with a plan, you are more likely to get your workout done. If you walk in with the mindset of “I’ll just do whatever,” you will find yourself just doing whatever, instead of sticking to your routine. You will probably also leave the gym early, with less accomplished, as you have no set plan on what you went there to do. A clear plan will help you to spend the right amount of time at the gym, doing what you need to do. Make sure that your plan is flexible, as not every machine will be open when you want to use it.
Choose Your Music Wisely
A motivational workout playlist can also help you get through gym time with ease. It can help to pump you up. If you are not feeling any of the premade playlists on numerous music streaming sites, take to making your own. You will be able to put in songs that help to get you through the day.
Turn Off Your Phone
If you are using your phone to listen to music, then put it on “do not disturb” or airplane mode. It can be very tempting to sit down between reps and check your social media, or respond to texts and calls. This will only take away from your productive time at the gym, and add on extra, unproductive, time. By turning off your phone, you will be more efficient and spend less time in the gym.
Strength Training
If you have never used the weight room before, now is the time to start. Most people think that lifting weights only adds bulk muscle, but in actuality, you can use it to help tone your body. By building your muscles, you will be less likely to suffer injuries while in the gym. Remember, strong muscles lead to healthy bodies.
Minimize Rest Time
If you spend less time resting between reps and exercises, you will be able to spend less time in the gym. If you are someone who is always in a time crunch and don’t think that you can make time for the gym, try this technique to give yourself more time. This can also help your body to be less susceptible to fatigue as it will be trained to keep working. If you are training for any type of marathon, it is a very good idea to keep rest time to a minimum.
Add Weights
Add to your exercises by adding weights. Once you start to add weights to your regular workouts, you will give your body more of a challenge, leading to more results. If you are used to doing bodyweight exercises, your body will start to get used to this, even if you amp up your reps. Weights will challenge your body, so don’t be afraid of them.
Mentally Connect
This may sound funny, as your mind is already telling your muscles what to do, but if you think about the muscles you are using during each workout, you are bound to see results. By thinking of what muscles you are using during your workout, your workout out will be much more effective. It can help you to keep good form and make sure you are using the muscles you want to work.
Keep Track
Keep track of your workouts. This will help you to challenge yourself as you will see what you did and be able to set new goals. You can use a notebook, or one of the many apps that are out there. Even if you want to perform the same workouts every week, this will help you to add more reps and try to beat your results from the week before.
High Intensity Intervals
These sound terrible, right? Well, they will help you to get awesome results. These are short bursts of very hard work followed by a recovery period. You will be giving your all during the high intensity part, and then you will take a break. These high intensity bursts only last about 20 to 90 seconds. This can help with fat loss because you will be burning more calories by working your hardest, even if it is only for a minute at a time.
Try a Tailored Workout
If you have specific goals, getting a workout plan that will help you to achieve this is very beneficial. You can find training plans just about anywhere. From the internet, to a trainer at your gym, you will be able to find something that fits your needs. You can also find something that may work and tailor it to your needs as your needs become more present.
Enjoy Your Workouts
The most important thing is that you enjoy the workouts that you are doing. If you hate the training plan that you have, you will be less likely to make it to the gym as much as you need to. You’re not going to love every workout that you do, but you should at least not dread going to the gym every day. Make sure that you are doing workouts that you enjoy and your gym time will benefit from it.
