When you're in the gym, there are a lot of distractions. It seems, these days, my gym time is always battling with other things that can seem more important. When I do finally get in the gym, I'm careful to not waste my time on these 7 items.
1 - Don't work out too much! Sounds contradictory? It's not. I know of people who spend 90 minutes on cardio, then another hour on weights and who knows how much time researching the latest supplements. You're body can only benefit from a certain amount of exercise. Go over that amount and it's all wasted.
2. Resting to long- If your goal is to lose unwanted body fat and stay lean, you should keep your rest between sets and exercises to a minimum. Thirty to sixty seconds is all you need. This isn't time to talk with your friends. Set up time after your workout if you schedule can accommodate it.
3. Going without a plan of attack- Have your routine ready before you set foot in the gym. Going without a plan of action is like building a house without blueprints. In the beginning of your new life in the gym, you'll probably have to check your workout plan a few time while you're there. That's ok!
4. Not having a backup plan- There is nothing more frustrating then going to the gym with your plan in hand and someone is already using the machine! Having a backup plan ensures you spend more of your time in the gym exercising and less time feeling frustrated. If someone is using the chest machine, no big deal: Do push-ups instead.
5 - Get intense! Push yourself further than you thought you could go. Physical gains don't happen when you're barely pushing yourself. You need to be going to failure on almost every exercise. Even if you're just building strength and have no interest in bulk, you should still work to failure, just at a higher level. Remember, bulk comes between 8 and 10 reps and strength comes when you're doing between 12 and 15.
6. Not using your full range of motion- If you are not using your full range of motion when performing your exercises, you can be sure that you are wasting your time. Be sure you are using correct form to be sure you are getting the results you desire.
7. Not seeking the advice of a professional- If all the top athletes have coaches and professional trainers, don't you think you could use their advice? Having a trainer will help you to get further along in your training then trying to do it by yourself. He or she will help you to use proper form, technique, rep ranges, tempo, rest intervals and exercise combinations to maximize your results and minimize your frustrations
That's it. The top 7 things that could be wasting your time in the gym. Maybe all 7 didn't apply to you directly, but there's something there you can do to improve the quality of your workouts. Pick one item and focus on that for a week. Then pick another one. Pretty soon you'll be maximizing your time in the gym. - 15683
1 - Don't work out too much! Sounds contradictory? It's not. I know of people who spend 90 minutes on cardio, then another hour on weights and who knows how much time researching the latest supplements. You're body can only benefit from a certain amount of exercise. Go over that amount and it's all wasted.
2. Resting to long- If your goal is to lose unwanted body fat and stay lean, you should keep your rest between sets and exercises to a minimum. Thirty to sixty seconds is all you need. This isn't time to talk with your friends. Set up time after your workout if you schedule can accommodate it.
3. Going without a plan of attack- Have your routine ready before you set foot in the gym. Going without a plan of action is like building a house without blueprints. In the beginning of your new life in the gym, you'll probably have to check your workout plan a few time while you're there. That's ok!
4. Not having a backup plan- There is nothing more frustrating then going to the gym with your plan in hand and someone is already using the machine! Having a backup plan ensures you spend more of your time in the gym exercising and less time feeling frustrated. If someone is using the chest machine, no big deal: Do push-ups instead.
5 - Get intense! Push yourself further than you thought you could go. Physical gains don't happen when you're barely pushing yourself. You need to be going to failure on almost every exercise. Even if you're just building strength and have no interest in bulk, you should still work to failure, just at a higher level. Remember, bulk comes between 8 and 10 reps and strength comes when you're doing between 12 and 15.
6. Not using your full range of motion- If you are not using your full range of motion when performing your exercises, you can be sure that you are wasting your time. Be sure you are using correct form to be sure you are getting the results you desire.
7. Not seeking the advice of a professional- If all the top athletes have coaches and professional trainers, don't you think you could use their advice? Having a trainer will help you to get further along in your training then trying to do it by yourself. He or she will help you to use proper form, technique, rep ranges, tempo, rest intervals and exercise combinations to maximize your results and minimize your frustrations
That's it. The top 7 things that could be wasting your time in the gym. Maybe all 7 didn't apply to you directly, but there's something there you can do to improve the quality of your workouts. Pick one item and focus on that for a week. Then pick another one. Pretty soon you'll be maximizing your time in the gym. - 15683
About the Author:
Victoria Jamison is the owner of Fit Supermom and has a passion for helping people with their weight loss program. She specializes in cardio fitness, diet nutrition and fitness weight training.