Is your current workout routine not hitting the spot? Or perhaps, you are not seeing the results that you expected? Either way, if your fitness regime is lacking, you will struggle to remain motivated.
Fortunately, there are several ways that you ramp up your efforts and see unbelievable results.
From trying something new to training with a friend, keep reading to discover six ways that you can transform your workout from dull and uninspiring to dynamic and fulfilling.
1. Increase your training time
One of the simplest ways to see better results is to add an extra few minutes to each part of your workout routine. Alternatively, if there is a particular area of your body where you want to see more improvement, spend some more time on this.
If you normally rush your workout, it can also be a good idea to make time to incorporate both a warm-up and a post-workout stretch into your routine.
2. Take a supplement
If you are working really hard at the gym but not seeing the results you expected, it could be an issue with your nutrition. When it comes to weight loss, it’s 80% diet and only 20% exercise, so you need to be ensuring your body is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to perform at its best.
3. Try something new
Your body gets used to the same exercises and can become complacent if you don’t mix things up occasionally. This can also result in a plateau in your weight loss efforts. If you usually work out in the gym, why not try an outdoor exercise class such as a bootcamp session?
Or if you typically do HIIT training, you could try something a little slower paced such as yoga or swimming?
The key is in choosing something that works the different muscle groups, or that offers a different level of intensity.
4. Find a training buddy
For those who struggle to push themselves at the gym, you may want to enlist the help of a workout buddy. Ideally, look for someone with a similar level of fitness to you and encourage each other to work towards your goals.
You may even want to enter a competition or a race together for a little bit of healthy competition.
5. Add resistance training
Many people focus all their efforts on cardio, and this is particularly true when it comes to women as they don’t want to risk appearing too bulky. However, there are multiple benefits to resistance training for both genders, including the ability to boost your metabolism and burn more calories.
If you are new to lifting weights, you might not know where to begin. To avoid injury, start with light weights and a small number of repetitions and gradually build your way up. Don’t feel pressured into lifting heavy weights by other gym-goers; you know your own body and know what it can handle.
6. Incorporate fitness into your daily life
Can’t face the prospect of more gym time? Why not instead try to incorporate more physical activity into your everyday life? For example, if you drive everywhere, even to the local store, you could decide to walk instead?
Or if you tend to always take the lift rather than the stairs, make the change. You may be surprised at just how quickly all these small adjustments will add up.
