20 Expert Tips to Get The Most Out of Your Workout

 

6. Try interval training  

From HIIT to Tabata style training, intervals are shown to promote better cardiovascular and fat-losing benefits than other workout formats. 

ASports Medicine study showed performing 4-min (4 on and 4 off) HIIT intervals, three times per week over 12 weeks, is a powerful form of exercise to enhance vascular function and drive fat-burning results. 

Layering intervals into your training can be a great way to take the intensity up and also get better results faster.

 

 

7. Mind and body connection  

It can be easy to go through the motions when training without focusing on the movements we’re performing and the muscles we should be using. It’s important to really connect with the muscles you are using when performing your exercises. 

Research done byThe Lerner Research Institute showed that, even without resistance, mental training can enhance the cortical output signal leading the muscles to a higher activation level and increased strength.(8) 

So next time you hit a workout, slow down and really focus on every movement of your body through both the concentric and eccentric movement. 

8. Fuel your body   

Our ability to move in everyday life or optimally when working out comes down to ensuring we’re fueling our bodies effectively and efficiently. Ensuring you hit all the important food groups can be the difference between reaching or missing your goals. Diet is key to successful training. 

Everyone’s nutrition needs are different in terms of quantity but everyone should be havingproteins, carbs and fatsin their daily diet to ensure body and mind are fueled. 

A study fromDuke University, Durham, North Carolina shows the importance of fueling for performance in athletes. When combined with nutrition, timing output was far greater and those who missed one of the key macro groups needed to supplement for optimal performance.(9) 

 

9. Switch things up  

Standard progressive programming shouldn’t change much over 12 weeks, with manipulations happening every 4-6 weeks. However, this can be boring for some people. 

Switching things up can help curb boredom, but a recent study fromEast Tennessee State University showed performing multiple variations of an exercise changes the muscles used by the body. (10)

These recruitments lead to a change in the weight lifted, and more gains than if the same movement is repeated month after month.Switching up movement and training styles can keep the body guessing. It’s a cliché for a reason. 

10. Pre-fueling  

Carb-loading before endurance races such as marathons or ironmen is of course important. But it can also be beneficial to fuel your body pre-workout, especially if you’re hitting something with high intensity. 

A sports medicineresearch paper showed that carbs are used as the primary fuel source when it comes to higher intensity workouts. This can help output levels, which in turn promotes better calorific burn and increases muscle preservation and growth more so than in those who work out fasted.(11)

Why not make sure you’ve some higher carb food 90-60 mins before your next workout? 

11. Post-fueling 

Fueling your body post-workout is just as important as fueling it before; losing fluids and depleting energy stores throughout your workout will leave your body needing a pick-me-up post-session. Drinking water is a great way to rehydrate and replace any lost fluids, and a higher carb refill will help with muscle recovery and replenish lowered or used glycogen stores in your muscles, not to mention promote repair and growth. 

Arecent studyshowed that whey and dairy protein may stimulate an increase in muscle protein synthesis and enhance recovery, while another study fromCopenhagen Muscle Research Centre shows that replenishing glycogen stores in the muscles may also help prevent muscle protein breakdown. (12) (13)

12. Don’t forget your headphones  

Music can be a great way to stay motivated, get yourself pumped for a workout, or even help you relax after. Plus it can help boost your mood and well-being. Research has suggested the benefits are actually even greater.

A study in theIndian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology  suggested those who used slow tempo music post-workout recovered faster than those who didn’t. (14)

While an additional study in the Psychological Bulletin showed listening to music across a range of physical activities could enhance physical performance.(15)

So next time you need a boost to hit a session hard or a cool down to promote recovery, make sure you’ve got your playlist at the ready and your headphones aren’t left at home. 

13. Boost your session with pre-workout   

Need a boost before your session? There are a lot of pre-workouts to choose from, but remember that the key ingredient is caffeine. Taking 200-400mg of caffeine 90-60 mins before your workout can increase fat burning, endurance, and help you go harder. 

A study byUniversity of Guelph, Ontario, Canada showed caffeine can lead to a greater power output and ability to train longer.(16)

There are a few options to choose fromif you’re after a pre-workout boost.

 

14. Massage it out  

We don’t really need another excuse for a massage, but we’ve got one for you. Exercise causes inflammation in the muscles, and to aid recovery, it is essential to flush out this inflammation. Muscle repair happens post-workout during the recovery process, so anything that can aid in this will help drive your results during the next sessions. 

Arecent study by Ohio State University and the University of Pittsburghfound massage “increases the percentage of regenerating muscle fibres", especially when done immediately after exercise. Plus it aids in relaxation post-workout.(17)

 

15. Cardio before or after weights  

When time’s limited it can be better to train smarter, not harder.

A study by theUniversity of Tokyo showed resistance training before cardio significantly boosted fat burning during the later session. (18)

If fat loss is your goal, then do your cardio either after weights or on a different day.However, if you’re looking to build on endurance, performance may be hindered when cardiovascular training is preceded by resistance training. Scheduling training will optimize your goals. 

16. Find workout partners 

A bit of encouragement or support from friends and family goes a long way. And that doesn’t stop when training. A group of training partners can help keep you accountable as well as encourage you to hit new PBs and make you feel more confident. 

Astudy by the British Journal of Health Psychology suggested exercising with a companion seemed beneficial for the promotion of emotional and instrumental support. (19)

 

17. Have a cup of tea   

There’s nothing like a good cup of tea.

Hydration is key to recovery and optimal performance. Recent studies have shown tea can play a role in this as well as reducing cortisol (stress) levels within the body. (20)

Certain teas, such as turmeric and green tea, can play a larger role in promoting recovery and weight loss. So, grab a cup. 

 

18. Chocolate Milk is good for you 

That’s not a typo. Chocolate milk helps recovery. I repeat, chocolate milk helps recovery.

A study in theInternational Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found chocolate milk is an effective recovery aid when taken between two high-intensity exercises.(21) 

This is due to its 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein, meaning you can simultaneously induce muscle repair, as well as replete energy stores.

 

19. Lifting accessories can help 

When pushing your body to its limits for optimal muscle growth, relying on lifting accessories is not advised. But they can aid you in being able to train heavier and, in turn, improve quicker. 

A study byFederal University of Pelotasshowed lifting straps can directly influence the exercise performance which requires manual grip strength, aiding you to increase the amount of work performed by the muscles. (22)