TweetEven if you don’t make “official” New Year’s resolutions on January 1st, it’s a great time to assess your fitness goals. What will you do different this year? Are you happy with your workouts and your progress? If not, how can you kick up your results a notch?
Based on what I see at the gym, here’s my take on where most people could benefit from a resolution or two:
1. Stop cheating
If you’re taking the time to work out you may as well reap the benefits, right? But if you’re performing exercises incorrectly you won’t see results, at best, and you may get injured, at worst. So before you add more and more poundage to that bar “because you can,” ask a qualified trainer to check your form. Otherwise, you’re creating grounds for muscle imbalances and injury.
2. Let go
Of the treadmill, that is. Honestly, 99 percent of the people walking on the treadmill—particularly on an incline—hang on as if their life depended on it. You negate a third or so of the calorie-burning benefits by this land version of “water skiing.” Plus, hanging on and leaning back puts your body parallel to the treadmill as if you were on flat ground. Level it off, let go (slow down if you can’t keep up) and work harder.
3. Focus
Numerous studies show the motivating benefits of music and I admit I’m lost without my iPod. But reading, texting, answering your cell phone and other distractions make it easy to go through the motions without effort. Take advantage of your workout time to disconnect. You’ll get more out of your efforts.
4. Workout with a motivated workout partner
A workout buddy can help you keep going when you want to quit, but the wrong partner can slow you down. Instead, challenge each other to improve. Save the socializing for the post-workout cool down.
5. Change it up
Is your workout on autopilot? Maybe it’s time for a change. Muscles adapt and become more efficient over time. Bottom line: you burn fewer calories and don’t see the same level of results. Add a different version of cardio or a new chest exercise or leg move. If you’re unsure of what to change, hire a qualified trainer to design a new program for you. It will be well worth the money and kick up your results to the next level.
Now go lift!
Stay Strong~~!!!
IPL