4 Ways To Maximize The Benefits Of Exercise

Many people feel that they are pretty consistent with their workout regimen but find that their body is not getting any fitter and are yearning for ways to maximize the benefits. It can be frustrating especially if you are putting in time at the gym but your shape doesn’t look any different from what it did before. This can be a little demotivating and a definite deterrent on your path to fitness and health.

The good news is that it generally takes more than a few little tweaks to set you on the right path. So, if you find that your fitness levels are at a standstill, here are 4 tips that can get you going again:

Increase your water intake

It’s a known fact that 60% of the human body is made up of water. If you are not guzzling on a sufficient amount of water, you will not be able to workout at optimum levels and you will get tired faster. Another important fact is that the efficiency levels of your circulatory system and muscles will not be at their highest levels if you are not consuming enough water. Typically, women should consume at least 9 glasses of water per day and men will need at least 13 glassfuls. But don’t stop at that quantity if you feel dehydrated, have worked out or are moving around in the blazing heat. Generally, your body will tell you when it is needs a drink of water. Avoid sports/energy drinks as they have electrolytes but they are also packed with unnecessary calories.

You May Also Like: Top 6 Whey Protein Supplements Myths You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

Watch what you eat

If you head for the gym every single day of the week, you still cannot take the liberty of eating in an unscrupulous manner. Watch what you eat and control the number of times you eat out. Don’t offset all your physical workout with additional calories; you will only be back to square one. Carry protein bars or some fruit to work and munch on those when you feel the hunger pangs taking hold. Go easy on salty foods, as excess of sodium leads to water retention. Keep refined sugar at arm’s length as most foods like fruits, nuts, vegetables and seeds have natural sugars that your body needs. Also stay away from refined flour-products and opt for whole-grain flour instead.

Interval training

If you have been consistent with a certain exercise routine and not seen sufficient results, it’s time to switch your routine a bit and push yourself a little further. The human body has the ability to adapt to any regular workout routine. When you perform the same actions time and again, you will find that gains are on the decline. Include interval training into your exercise training. Alternate the intensity of your exercise and keep your body guessing about what is coming next. This will give you continuous and consistent results. Maybe that’s its way of telling you that it too needs some variety. 

Weight training

You do not have to turn into a body builder and pump weights like there is no tomorrow, but include some form of weight training in your exercise routine. It will help in keeping your muscle toned. Maintaining muscle also requires that your body burn calories and you end up losing more weight. Intersperse your regular workout with 2-3 weight training sessions per week and see the difference it makes. There are people who lift weights but find that it has not helped them in any way. Getting maximum gains from your workout is about following the right technique and this is something that only a professional will be able to help you with.

You May Also Like: 5 Benefits of Weight Training for Women

So what are you waiting for? Get your form right and find your best workout. Hire the services of a professional fitness coach  if needed. They’ll be able to help you understand which exercise and weight training methods are the best for you thus helping you achieve maximum gains from that particular workout. Your coach will also be able to give you tips on how you can isolate muscles.

Everyone’s body reacts differently so it’s important to understand before experimenting directly. Very importantly, allow your muscles the rest period they need and ensure that you do not over-stress them in a bid to be fit. Remember that fitness is not something that can be achieved in a day or even a week. It’s a lifelong commitment to your body and health and also a way of living. Try a mix and match of the ways to optimize the benefits from your workout and before long you will see the inches melting away and the pounds vanishing into oblivion. If you like this article then don’t forget to like and share. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.