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3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workout

Diet, cardio and weights equal weight lossOne of the most common questions our sports performance specialists and athletic trainers get is “How can I make the most of my gym time?” There are a lot of important steps that can make or break a visit to your gym. For instance, remembering warm up your muscles before stretching to ensure your muscles are activated for optimum performance can make a big difference in your flexibility. Similarly, using incorrect form can result in less effective workouts – or even serious injury.

Here are three of our trainers favorite tips for getting the best workout while avoiding injury, frustration and wasted time:

  1. More Isn’t Always Better
    Many of our clients are active individuals who enjoy working out, but that doesn’t mean that you have to sweat on the treadmill for five hours to burn calories and get fit. An hour of cardio is the optimal amount for someone looking to get fit – go beyond that time frame and you may increase your risk of injury. Instead of going for pure time, try incorporating cardio circuits into your program; these exercises keep your muscles confused and can get you better results.
  2. Fuel Up to Power Up
    In order to get the most from your workout you have to fuel your body with the energy it needs to get your through. An hour or so before starting your activity make sure you eat a snack with enough protein and carbohydrates to boost you through your program. Don’t forget to eat a protein-rich snack after exercising either; you have to feed your muscles to grow ’em!
  3. Take Fewer Breaks
    When you’re exercising, it’s important to take breaks between sets and exercises – but don’t rest too long or you may not be doing yourself any favors. To keep your intensity and heart rate up during exercises, try not to take more than 30 seconds between sets and 60 seconds between exercises. Use your momentum to help you get the best results possible.

Want some help developing the best workout plan for you? Contact us today and we’ll schedule a consultation with one of our expert personal trainers!