You ever wonder what makes a great workout? I mean a GREAT workout. Once you figure it out, it’s easier to get through it. And it’s not rocket science…nope…these 7 secrets you may already know without realizing it.
As you go through this list you’ll probably say ‘duh’ to most, if not all, of them. I think we know the answers to a lot of things in life – we just need someone else to point it out to us.
And, by the way, they’re actually not secrets at all, just good points to know and be aware of if you want to have a great, if not perfect, workout.
1. Warm up
Warming up before starting a workout is probably the most important thing to do. It does exactly as it sounds – warms up the body before you put it through any strenuous exercise. It also decreased your chances of injury. Just look at more of the benefits of a warm up:
- Leads to efficient calorie burning by increasing your core body temperature
- Allows you to work out comfortably longer because all your energy systems are able to adjust to exercise
- Improves joint range of motion
- Psychologically prepares you for higher intensities by increasing your arousal and focus on exercise
2. Music
Music has a big psychological impact on your workout. The theory is that music will take your mind off feeling fatigue, increase your motivation and in some cases promote relaxation. Music puts me in a zone and I can block out ANYthing.
3. Sneakers (unless you’re working out barefoot)
How your sneakers fit you affects your feet. Your feet affect your workout. Get the connection? So, what you wear on your feet is going to make a huge difference in how you feel afterward. Depending on what type of workout you plan to do will help you decide what type of sneaker to get. For example, if you’re a runner then you will need a good pair of running sneakers. The sales associate should be able to help you decide what to look for.
4. Positive Attitude
Exercising elevates your mood, but you still need a positive attitude to start the workout. Use your exercise as the time to let everything go. Whatever is wrong now will just be wrong until you finish your workout. No reason to stress over it now.
Also, know what you’re doing is going to make a difference 1 day, 1 week, and even 1 year from now.
5. Water
Our bodies are made up of more than half water. It should also be the first thing to drink before, during, and after exercise. Only reach for the sports drinks if you plan on exercising for more than 45 – 60 minutes.
6. The correct weight
If you’ve never lifted weights before or you haven’t lifted them in a while, you’ll want to go slow. Lifting too much weight too fast before you’re ready could increase your chance of injury. Not to mention you will probably be extremely sore the next day.
7. Stretches
Some people stretch, some people don’t, but the truth is stretching can improve flexibility, prevent injury, and feels very good! Try to pick around 6-8 stretches at the end of your workout and stretch the muscles that you just worked.
What do you do to have the perfect workout?
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I appreciate these tips, because as you said, sometimes we know what to do but need someone to point it out to us or remind us. I need to lose about 60 pounds, and it is SO hard for me to get motivated. I don’t know why exactly…I have so many reasons for wanting to get healthier and to want to live a long life. It is just laziness!! Thank you for the great reminders here.
You’re so welcome Cheryl! And everyone has a bit of laziness in them – just find something that you love to do and do it!
Hi Serena great tips. I have recently started jogging as a form of exercise because I live far from the city and I must agree with point 3. The right sneakers are so important, I run on uneven ground and because of the wrong sneakers my shins become so painful. I ended up buying new ones and I am back to jogging again 🙂
Yes, uneven ground can place tremendous stress on your shins without the proper footwear. I hope your new sneakers made you feel better!
I agree with them all! Love the feeling of a perfect workout.
Thanks for linking up with Fitness Friday!
Having a perfect workout keeps me motivated! Thanks for the link up!