How to Get the Most Out of Your Workout

Steer clear of the dreaded exercise rut, and learn how to get the most out of your workout and avoid frustrating plateaus. There are lots of ways to make progress and keep your routine fresh, so give these ideas a try:

Plan for Success

When it comes to fitness goals, don’t just say it, do it. Write down your goal, create some actionable steps, and attach deadlines. Following through is a lot easier if you plan to go for a run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Give your circuit a purpose by planning ahead – what exercises, how many reps, and how many sets.

Be Consistent

If you can exercise at the same time every day, it just becomes a habit. There’s no asking yourself if you’re going to do it or not. You just do it. Prioritize your workout by adding it to your daily calendar and blocking out your schedule.

Journal Your Efforts

Keep a record of what you’re doing – the more detail the better. It’s easy enough to just add it into your calendar entry. Then you can go back and see what you’ve done and record your progress.

Get Expert Assistance

Nothing is more important than using the right form when you work out, so you prevent injuries and challenge yourself in the right ways. Consider a few sessions with a personal trainer and getting some coaching. It’s a great motivator, too!

Make it Social

Having a partner or fitness group gives you extra accountability, and plus, it’s more fun. You’re less likely to blow off a workout if you’ve made plans to meet someone. Healthy competition isn’t a bad idea, either. Signing up for an event, such as a 5K or half-marathon is also a good way to get people together to train for a big goal.

Smartphone: Friend or Foe?

You may use your phone to run a workout app or time yourself, but muster up the discipline to stay off texts, emails, and phone calls. They’ll kill the intensity of your workout and distract you from the mental focus you need to concentrate on your form.

Tiny Changes Go a Long Way

Run a little faster, add an extra sprint, shorten your rest times – these are all ways to increase the intensity of your workout for added results. Incorporate total body movements that work more than one muscle group, like squats and deadlifts, to get more out of each exercise and boost your heart rate.