Today let’s talk about the most effective ways to get results from your workouts. We know there are lots of benefits to exercise, but why not get the most from your workouts? When you know the most effective ways to exercise, you can optimize your workouts to get better results in less time. So, read on to find out more about five proven methods for optimal results.
Are you tired of spending hours in the gym without seeing the results you desire? Or, perhaps you feel like you’re stuck in a fitness rut and not sure how to break through to the next level? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find the most effective exercise methods that will help them achieve their goals efficiently. That’s why today, we’re going to discuss five proven methods for getting the best results from your workouts:
- Strength training.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
- Functional training.
- Mind-Body Practices.
- Consistency and variety.
I have been dieting and exercising for 31 years. These past three decades have included a ton of trial and error. I have probably tried just about every workout program there is over this time. Early on, I was focused entirely on cardio. I thought the more the better, and the more intense the better. As I got older, however, I learned this may work well when you’re young, but can backfire as we move into our mid-thirties and beyond. I also learned you need to do more than cardio to get the results most of us want.
It may seem counterintuitive, but building muscle is actually the key to getting that physique most of us are looking for. So, I eventually decided to get over my irrational fears that weightlifting would bulk me up, and added weightlifting to my routine about 25 years ago. In all my decades of working out, I have learned a lot. I have learned that it is important to keep track of your workouts, your diet, and your progress; so you can gain insights into the times you see results slow or stall. I have also learned that as you age, things will change and what worked when you were 20 is not going to yield the same results when you are 30 or 40. All that said, there are many ways to optimize your workouts so you are as effective as possible when you are at the gym. So, let’s dive into five proven methods for optimal exercise results.
1. Strength Training:
As you probably know by now, if you’ve been listening to my podcast for a while, I am a huge fan of strength training. It is a non-negotiable component of a solid workout regimen. Strength training is essential for building lean muscle mass, increasing metabolism, and improving overall strength and endurance. Make your workouts more efficient by incorporating compound movements that involve multiple muscle groups, like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Use compound exercises when working smaller muscle groups as well. For example, when working arms and shoulders, add squats, lunges, and other lower body moves to up the caloric burn, while also building strength.
2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):
HIIT workouts are known for their short duration and high intensity. These workouts involve alternating between short bursts of intense exercise and brief periods of rest or lower-intensity activity. Not only does HIIT burn calories during the workout, but it also triggers the afterburn effect, causing your body to continue burning calories for hours afterward. HIIT also help your body burn fat up to 48 hours post-workout. This approach is a great way to do more in less time as they are generally no longer than 20 minutes.
3. Functional Training:
Functional training focuses on movements that mimic everyday activities and improve your body’s ability to perform tasks efficiently and safely. So think about things like lifting something heavy, like a box overhead to put up on a high shelf or getting down onto the floor and getting back up again. These are the types of movements to focus on with functional training. By incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, and overhead presses, you’ll not only build strength but also enhance balance, flexibility, and coordination, leading to better overall functional fitness. A tip for doing these types of exercises is to focus on form that feels natural and comfortable when doing these everyday activities, to maintain good form.
4. Mind-Body Practices:
Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s also about mental well-being. Practices like yoga, Pilates, and tai chi not only improve flexibility and strength but also reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance mindfulness. By incorporating mind-body exercises like these into your routine, you’ll not only improve your physical health but also cultivate a deeper connection between your body and mind. These types of exercises will also help prevent injury during your other workouts and are a very important component of a solid exercise regimen.
5. Consistency and Variety:
Consistency is key to seeing results from your workouts, but so is variety. Mixing up your routine with different types of exercise, including cardio, strength training, and flexibility work, prevents boredom, reduces the risk of overuse injuries, and challenges your body in new ways. Aim to incorporate a mix of exercises and activities that you enjoy to keep your workouts fresh and exciting. I recommend changing out your workouts every 4-6 weeks or so.
So, there you have it – five proven methods for getting the best results from your workouts. Whether you’re looking to build muscle, burn fat, or improve your overall health and well-being, incorporating these methods into your exercise routine will help you reach your goals faster and more effectively than ever before. Remember, consistency is key, so commit to making exercise a regular part of your lifestyle, and watch as your fitness journey unfolds before your eyes. I know many struggle with or overlook this part completely, which is why I created my Clarify, Commit, Crush it! Course. Get instant access to it in the link in the episode description: https://courses.faithfitnessjoy.com/offers/cALe9h4Z
Until next time, keep moving, stay motivated, and embrace the power of exercise to transform your life. Here’s to your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself—mind, body, and soul. Thank you for stopping by today. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends and family.