Whether you’re looking to bulk up, lose a few pounds, or you’re simply working out to relieve stress, maximizing your workout can be the difference between smashing it in the gym and risking injury.
To ensure that your workout is effective, productive, and helping you achieve your goals, we’ve put together our top tips for maximizing your workout to get the best results. So, read on to find out how to get the best out of yourself and your training.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
We’ve all heard that quote, right? Well, there’s nowhere it’s more applicable than talking about breakfast and how it sets you up right for the day ahead. If you’re looking to lose weight and get fit, then oats are one of the best and healthiest grains out there, and they can help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Plus, they’re great for keeping you feeling full, which cuts out that urge to snack.
Also Read: How to lose chest fat fast
If you’re eating healthily and regularly, but feel like you’re frequently running on empty, then it could be worth investigating your testosterone levels.
Fuel up before a workout
Most of us don’t fancy a heavy meal before we run off to the gym but being mindful about how you’re fueling up before a workout could help you achieve a personal best. Remember, our bodies get fuel from food, and the energy you take in before a workout equals energy available during your workout.
Remember, though, it’s not about eating just anything; you need to make sure that you’re taking in energy and protein, not just a quick fix of snacks or processed foods.
Hydrate
Just like fuel is essential in your pre-workout routine, keeping your body hydrated is crucial for avoiding muscle cramps, regulating your body temperature, and ensuring you don’t become lightheaded.
Also Read: Bulked-up ingredients to boost your t-levels
Aim for eight glasses of water a day and more when you work out to replenish all that water leaving your body through sweat.
Get organized
When you’re working out without a plan, you’re more likely to find yourself wandering around or scrolling on your phone than you are working out. Plan your routine out in advance, whether you use a workout app or simple pen and paper. This way, you know exactly what you’re doing, how many sets and reps to complete.
Warm-up
No matter what kind of exercise you’re planning on doing, make sure that you warm up your body before you jump in. The purpose of a warmup is literally to get warm, upping your body temperature and stretching your muscles before you get that sweat on. If you skip your warmup, you’re more likely to get injured during your workout, and the more often you need to take time out to recover from injury, the longer it’ll take to achieve your goals.
Get plenty of sleep
We all know that sleep is essential, it helps our minds and bodies to recharge, keeps us balanced and ready to tackle another day. Research has even shown that those who have poor quality sleep won’t only feel the effects of being grumpy, but you’ll quickly notice that you’re craving sweet, salty, and processed junk food.
Sleep helps us recover from workouts, restore our concentration and boost our energy. Sleep and rest are important before and after a workout.
Stretch after your workout
Like a warmup helps prepare your body for a workout and prevents injury, stretching and cooling down after your activity is also important. It’ll help your muscles stay limber and flexible Plus, they’ll help you feel a bit less sore in the days after your workout. Bring your heart rate down, drink some water and rest.
Use a foam roller
Using a foam roller can help you recover quicker from your workout and increase your range of motion. Plus, according to some research, experts also recommend foam rolling to minimize post-workout aches and pains, as it increases blood flow to your muscle tissues. Regularly foam rolling can speed up your recovery time.
Re-fuel
Now, we’re not sure about you, but we can get pretty sweaty during exercise. Once you’re finished working out, you need to put this water back into your body so you can avoid getting dehydrated.
Also Read: Should you prioritize sleep or workouts?
On your way out, it might be tempting to grab a soda or energy drink, but the sudden spike in sugar could do more harm than good. Instead, drink water. If you’re feeling hungry after your workout, choose foods packed with protein and fiber, as these will boost your energy levels and help your recovery.
Have a cold shower
Standing under a cold shower isn’t most people’s idea of fun, but if you need to cool down quickly after a workout, it can work wonders. Plus, it has benefits for both your mental and physical health, helping with those post-session aches.
Put on fresh clothes as soon as possible
Some of us aren’t big fans of jumping in the shower at the gym and might head home or even to the store whilst still in sweaty gym clothes. But this is a great way to trap moisture and grow bacteria.
Instead, where possible, jump straight into the shower after your workout and into clean, fresh clothes.
Track your exercise
In the same way that going into your workout armed with a plan, tracking your workouts and achievements can help you stay on track with your goals. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you’re challenging yourself every gym session.
Keep track of those sets and reps, so you can keep pushing yourself that bit further each workout.
Smash your workout and boost your energy levels
Now that you’ve got these top tips to maximize your workout, you’re ready to crush it in the gym.
However, if you’re regularly finding yourself feeling fatigued, low on motivation, and generally feeling like you’re running on empty, then it could be a sign of low testosterone.
Ready to improve your energy levels, muscle growth, endurance, and libido, as well as smash it in the gym? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Testogen can safely and naturally increase your testosterone with just four daily capsules. Reverse the signs of low testosterone with Testogen’s 100% natural ingredients, and experience more energy, heightened libido, and enhanced muscle growth.