You may have fallen into the habit of showing up to workout, but not feeling like it’s really effective. Showing up to workout consistently is a major step in your fitness journey because getting yourself to workout can feel like a chore. When you get to the point where you feel good about your workout schedule, you might start wondering if it’s really working. Read on to learn 3 easy tips that can take your workouts from ok to amazing!
Go in With a Plan
A super easy way to upgrade your workout is to go in with a plan! Exercising day in and day out can get repetitive and boring if you don’t spice things up. This can cause you to lose sight of why you’re there. If you sit down the day before and write up a plan of the exercises you want to complete, then you are more likely to actually do that workout. You’ll feel obligated to get that workout done because you took the time to write down everything for it. If you finish up everything on your list, but still feel energized then you might add on another exercise and feel like you’ve overachieved that day! When everything is written out, it takes away the brain power and energy you have to put forth during your workout to figure out what you want to do. It’s easier to impress yourself when you have a set plan rather than flying by the seat of your pants with whatever exercise comes to mind. Having a plan also pushes you harder on the days that you feel fatigued. You might give up on your workout if you don’t have a set plan, but when you have one, you will probably push yourself to finish all the exercises you planned. Going in with a plan allows you to stay focused, push yourself further down your fitness journey, and create and overall more effective workout routine.
Pump Up Your Playlist
I don’t know a single person who doesn’t enjoy listening to some good music. The genre or type of music can differ greatly, but music can make you feel some type of way. It evokes different emotions in each person, which can help us through whatever mindset we’re in. When working out, some people like to listen to angry and loud music, while others may like to listen to something soft and upbeat. Each person has different tastes and preferences, so if you haven’t found your favorite genre yet, consider diving into each kind of music then deciding. Music can be a key component for people to stay focused when working out, which I can agree with. I get distracted very easily, so having my airpods paired with some good tunes on the ready helps me focus during my workout. Having a good playlist can transform your workout into its most effective potential.
Make a Mental Connection
A huge part of working out that people often forget out is forming a mental connection. While you workout, you should be focused on whatever muscle you’re working. If you’re doing an upper body lifting day, then your mind should be focused on the specific muscle you’re working out for every repetition. If you’re running, then your mind should be focused on the power coming from your legs with each stride. When you create a mind to muscle connection, your workouts become so much more effective. It’s easy to show up to the gym and do a couple exercises absentmindedly, but that doesn’t require much focus. Being present in each workout physically and mentally is important. When you bring in an intense focus towards each exercise, you can receive the maximum benefits from them. Mind to muscle connection forces your muscles to work harder because you’re focused on working them instead of just getting the exercises over with. Forming a mental connection with your workouts can also create a mental escape from reality. When you’re fully focused on a task, you don’t have room to be worrying about other things. You might have stress at work, home, or a situation that you can’t get off your mind. Working out can be an escape for your mind. It creates a place where you feel safe to let go of your stress. Working out also gives you a boost of happy chemicals to your brain, which help you feel happier after exercising. Forming a mental connection with each exercise you complete in your workouts can enhance your physical and mental well-being.
These 3 simple tips can help you get the most out of your workouts! Before you go to the gym, write or type out a plan of the exercises you want to complete for that day. When you get to the gym or wherever you workout, you will likely blow yourself away with the energy and tenacity you bring to that workout because it was pre-planned! Another thing you can do ahead of time is to add some fun music to your playlist for workouts! The last thing is to focus during your workouts to build mind to muscle connection. These tips can bring you the progress you’ve been working towards and make your workouts so much more effective!
