Are you getting the most out of your training sessions? Without the correct strategy, gym-goers might feel like they’re not making any progress. If you feel like you’ve hit a plateau, don’t worry! Here are five workout tips to help you get the most out of your training day.
5 Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Training
1. Prioritize Rest
Training hard isn’t always enough. If you want to maximize the results from your workout sessions, then you need to strategize.
If you’ve been forcing the same muscle groups to grow by overtraining them, then it’s time to stop. One thing you need to do to maximize your gains is to prioritize rest. Remember that the body needs proper rest to perform in tiptop condition. This is why you should always train your weakest muscle group or movement pattern on the day after resting. Training well-rested and fresh allows your body to perform stronger and harder at the gym.
2. Establish a Rep Range
There are a lot of rep ranges out there. In fact, there are plenty of ways to approach resistance training. This includes rep ranges, set counts, and rest times. You should know that different approaches produce different results.
If you want to maximize your workouts, you need to choose a rep range, set count, and rest time that suits your goals accordingly. Don’t blindly follow the guy who says you should do X number of reps and sets for muscle growth. Feel free to do your own research and explore which among these numbers align with your goals.
3. Perform Dynamic Warm-Ups
One common mistake when warming up is not performing the correct exercises. Apart from the basic stretches, incorporate some dynamic movements that activate specific muscle groups. Follow a dynamic warm-up routine that specifically works the muscles you plan to train on that day. This helps prepare your muscles for the workouts you’re going to do.
Tip: You can make dynamic exercises more challenging by using resistance bands. For example, before hitting the bench press, bust out some band-resisted push-ups.
4. Focus on the Quality of Your Movements
This tip is perhaps the most important one. Always remember to focus on the quality of your reps, not the volume nor the quantity. These days, it’s very easy to have an inflated ego, especially if you’re a seasoned lifter. We see a lot of lifters performing half-assed reps using weights that are usually too heavy for them. Remember that you should always focus on the proper exercise form and muscle contractions when performing any exercise.
5. Train with a Purpose
Before going to the training center, it’s very important to have a goal in mind. Working out without a specific objective is like driving without a destination. If you want to make the most of your training sessions, it’s important to determine your purpose. This helps you create a customized training program that will ensure you reach your goals faster. Remember: walk into the gym with a goal that keeps you motivated throughout your training session.
Watch the video below and follow along as Sean Runyan, Evertrain Fitness Director, explains his top 5 tips to maximize your training:
Overall, aim to create a customized training plan that aligns with your goals. Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. Don’t be afraid to experiment on the different ways you can achieve your goals. We hope these fitness tips help you move along your journey in fitness!
Do you find these training tips useful? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!