The Keys To A Successful Workout

Keys To A Successful Workout

It is all well and good to exercise, but we need to make sure that we are getting the most from a workout. This blog entry will look to examine the keys to a successful workout. Let’s go!

Just as strong – from set to set

When we are working out we can judge the perfect amount of repetitions by being able to do a similar amount each time. If there is a major drop from our first set to our second, then we are doing too much on the first. But if we are able to do a similar amount each time then three things are being shown. Firstly, that we are using the right amount of weight. Secondly, we are resting the right amount of time in between each set. Finally, it shows us that our body is correctly fuelled for the workout.

No Hunger

When we are working out it is important that we do not feel hungry during the workout. If we do feel hungry during a workout it suggests that our blood-glucose levels are dropping and this is bad. Essentially, when this happens, we end up using muscle protein for energy and this means that our muscles will shrink rather than grow.

Feeling Pumped

As we’re working out our muscles should begin to look bigger, more refined, as well as feel heavier. This is the feeling of pumped! I think Arnie described as a feeling better than sex!

Not Wiped Out

It is important that after our workout we feel worked out. We should feel a bit shaky after the workout. However, it is important that, while we do feel tired, we do not feel like we cannot move, or pick something up. If it were like this it would show that we had done too much.

We Want More

Another great sign of us working out successfully is whether or not we want to go back for more! If we feel that we are looking forward to our next workout this is an excellent sign that things are going well. This stems from us seeing improvements in our body due to a workout and therefore we want to improve further and cannot wait to get back on it.

Signs That Our Workout Is Not Working

Some Signs That Our Workout Is Not Working

There are a lot of problems that we can experience when we exercise regularly, among them is the fact that our workout may not be working for us anymore. However, we often fail to see this and we trust what we have done before. This blog will look into some sure signs that our workout is simply not working for us at the moment.

1. One of the major signs of a workout not working is us wanting to leave the gym (or finish our workout). If our workout is going well we will get a great feeling from endorphins being released. However, if we cannot wait to finish then we are getting bored of the workout – time to change it up.

2. Another major sign is if we are feeling the exercises in places that we should not be. Joint pain, for example, is something that should not be ignored and if we are feeling pain then we should not continue.

3. The next sign is if we feel lousy after our workout. If, post-workout, we are feeling sick or have muscle cramps and other problems then we have done something wrong in the workout (probably pushed too far) and we should look to rectify the problem for our next workout.

4. Finally, if we appear to be weaker than the last time we worked out then something is going wrong. We should be progressing each time we work out so if we feel weaker then something needs addressing, such as rest time, nutrition and/or amount we are working out.

So, here are some key signs that suggest our workout is not working. When we begin to see these signs it is important to identify what we are doing wrong and sort it out so that we can continue to progress.

Four Key Rules for a Great Workout

This blog entry will discuss four key ideas that will make for a great workout. These are simple tips that will ensure that we make the most of our workout.

1. The first rule is to make sure you breathe. I know this seems fairly obvious, but I have seen it many times before where people are holding their breath while doing reps. It is easy to forget. A simple way to remember is to ensure that on the harder part of the exercise, the pulling up of a pull up for example, we breathe out and on the easier part we breathe in. The main thing is to make sure that you are breathing!

2. Your aim is to fail! This may seem silly. Ok, this is not exactly what the goal is. The idea of this rule is to push ourselves to the limit of our strength. Always be safe, however, we don’t want injuries.

3. Take things slow (or fast). With cardio exercise we should perform as fast as we can! However, with other exercises it is often best to perform slowly. Performing exercises at a slower rate will help to work the muscle more and therefore we can get stronger.

4. Finally, one of the most important things with exercise – FORM. Good form is arguably the most essential thing with getting the most from a workout. Through correct form we reduce the risk of injury and gain more from specific exercises. We will see the best results from performing exercises correctly.

Hope these tips help!