How long do you spend at the gym? 30 minutes? 40? 50? 60 minutes or more? Here’s another question for you: are you training efficiently? Meaning, are you getting the most out of your workouts in the least amount of time? Even though it may sound logical, more time spent in the gym doesn’t always equate to bigger and better results. What does equate to amazing results? Consistency and efficiency. Reaching your goals is all about engaging in a consistent workout routine that doesn’t waste any time. Here’s how you can ensure YOUR exercise routine is up to par.
1. Plan Your Workouts
One of the biggest blunders you can make at the gym is going in without a plan. You wouldn’t try to build a house without having the blueprint first, right? Planning out your workouts deters you from wandering around the gym aimlessly. You’ll know what exercises you are doing, when, and how many sets/reps. Training this way also allows you to track your progress and slowly increase the intensity of your exercises. This equates to a more efficient workout with faster results.
2. Time Your Rest Periods
This means don’t play on your phone between sets! If you really want to see results, focus on your workout, not your social media account.
3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Doing 3-4 exercises with great form beats out doing 10-12 exercises with bad form every time. Focusing on your form not only improves your results, but also reduces risk of injury.
4. Repeat Those Reps
Certainly, switching up exercises throughout your workout will work different muscle groups, but make sure you do multiple cycles of reps. Try focusing on 4-5 exercises and rotate through them so you are getting in many reps with breaks between, rather than doing a ton of different exercises only once.
Written by GUADS staff members Angelina and Kate