Exercising and training – whether you do it to build muscle, lose weight or just as part of your daily lifestyle routine to keep fit and healthy – can only provide maximum benefits if you adhere to a few rules. Professional gym-goers and trainers will be aware of these tips; however, the common man might not. So here we share some tried-and-tested tips to get the best out of your training.
1. Timing
When you exercise plays an important part in your overall training experience. Of course, for most people it might not be a choice; with work and kids and life, squeezing in a workout at any time of the day is beneficial, but if you can, aim for a morning workout. Research shows that morning workouts (especially on an empty stomach) are the most effective to burn stored fat and help in weight loss. Morning workouts also energise you for the rest of the day.
2. Keep Your Workouts Short and High-Energy
Some people might be in the gym for hours everyday, and not see results, while others might get a super-effective workout in just 30 minutes, every other day. The secret lies in maximizing your workouts.
This is where high-intensity workouts, also known as HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training, benefits. These short bursts of intense exercise, with a few seconds break in the middle, are proven to boost metabolism, increase endurance and build strength, packing in the same benefits of moderate intensity aerobic workouts in a much shorter period.
3. Supplement With The Right Supplements
If your aim is to build muscle, a protein supplement will help you reach your goals quicker. Likewise, if weight-loss is what you are after, a supplement like oxyshred will help. If you are training just to keep fit, then consistency is all you need; however if you have a particular goal in mind, then the right supplements will help you on your journey.
4. Know Your Limits… Then Push Your Boundaries
These might sound like two contradicting points but let me explain. Before you start out on an exercise regime, know your endurance and health limits. If you have a heart condition or asthma or any past physical ailments, check with your doctor beforehand. Then, start slow. Build your endurance for at least a month before starting anything more intense. This means you should be able to talk without being out of breath.
Then, when you’ve built up your stamina and found your ground, up the intensity. Run instead of walk. Do another set. Increase the weights. Keep challenging yourself as you cross new boundaries as that will keep challenging your body and thus result in an effective workout.
5. Mix Things Up… And Keep It Fun!
Just as with other things, doing the same workout routine week after week will leave you feeling bored, and uninterested. Try mixing things up every once in a while – this will help you look forward to your training session as well as keep your body guessing and challenged. Try out different workouts. Work on different muscle groups. Work out with a friend sometimes. When it’s fun, you won’t even realise you are exercising!
