If you leave every workout feeling like you’ve given it your all, but your body has yet to show the results you feel it should have achieved by now, don’t get too dejected. Help is here!
All you need are a few tips to maximise your workouts, and we’ve got them below. Designed to guide you and help you focus; these tips fine-tune your workout sessions to counteract stalled progress before it occurs.
Tip #1 – Make it Personal
Many people are put off by the idea of hiring a personal trainer because they think the cost is too high. When you weigh the results you achieve against the financial outlay, you’ll soon see that such a professional is worth every penny
A close friend of mine based in Melbourne has been working with a personal trainer in Caroline Springs for years to help her reach her workout goals. The trainer crafts personalised workouts, offers expert instruction, motivation, support, and a level of accountability that you just can’t achieve when working out solo.
Tips #2 – Workout Later in the Day
Working out later in the day allows you to get a few meals in, which will fuel your body and give it the energy it needs to complete an intense session. The calories you take in throughout the day will also provide your body with the nourishment and nutrients it needs to recuperate after a heavy session.
Try to get your workout in between 4 and 7 pm. Anytime later than that may disrupt your sleep cycle.
Tips #3 – Drink Plenty of Water
Because the body is made up of 70 per cent water, it’s vital to keep it hydrated so its processes can operate efficiently. Many people who work out religiously focus a lot on nutrition and forget the importance of hydration.
Sip plenty of water throughout the day, especially during and after workouts. Aim to consume about two litres of water a day for optimal performance in and out of the gym.
Tips #4 – Eat a Balanced Diet
Proper nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy weight and building muscle. The idea that protein is the only thing your body needs to build muscle is very outdated. Your body needs a healthy balance of carbs, fats, and protein for building muscle and recovery.
Be sure you’re getting about 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight each day and then round out the rest of your caloric intake with carbs and fats. Keep in mind that complex carbs and natural fat sources are best for a healthy body.
Tip #5 – Consume a Pre-Workout Supplement
Everything you put into your body should have some positive effect on your health. This includes any supplements you take. Specific supplements can enhance your workout and give you the results you’re looking for much more quickly. For example, branched-chain amino acids contribute to muscular energy and repair, while beta-alanine improves muscle endurance. Creatine, which assist in building both size and strength, is another supplement to consider in your pre-workout concoction.
You work hard to maintain a proper weight and keep in shape, but like most people, you may hit a wall from time to time. Results of your efforts don’t show as quickly as you’d like, but rather than get discouraged, it’s time to change things up a bit. Try the tips above to get the most out of your workouts. We’re pretty sure you’ll begin seeing the results you expect in no time!