You could head to the gym several times a week in an attempt to stay in shape, but if you aren’t maximizing the efficiency of your workouts, you may be wasting your time and energy. For all of your hard work, sweat, and sore muscles, you want to be able to see the results with minimal effort.

Many people get stuck in one specific type of workout that only benefits part of the body. You may want to bulk up by lifting weights, but that doesn’t strengthen your cardiovascular system. It’s the same if you only concentrate on your cardio workout and neglect to tone and shape your muscles. Getting an overall workout takes variety and efficiency.

One of the hardest parts of staying in shape and getting the most out of your workouts is staying motivated. Along with exercise techniques, we will take a look at a few ways to stay motivated and keep your workouts going the distance. Between paying more attention to your form and adding protein powder to your routine, you can really work up a sweat at the gym. Let’s look at a few ways that you can get the most out of your workout time.

Add Weights

If you are looking to lose weight, cardio is a great way to drop a few pounds quickly. However, if you want to keep the weight off and develop a strong body through exercise, you will need to add more to your routine beyond just cardiovascular workouts. When you focus on cardio only, your body will hit a plateau and your metabolism will begin to slow down. When you add resistance and weight training to your routine you can increase your metabolism which helps you to maintain your goal weight.

Pre-Workout Carbs

Loading up with carbs before you hit the gym can help you push through the toughest workout. Carbs act like fuel for your muscles and give them extra endurance to withstand those high-intensity workouts. The more fuel you add to your body, the harder you can push your muscles and get the maximum benefit for your workout. If you enjoy a morning workout, it can be a challenge to load up on carbs first thing in the morning. You can try eating a high-carb breakfast of toast and eggs or start your morning with a supplemental shake that is high in carbs.

Workout Supplements

If you don’t have the energy that you need to hit the gym and get to work, you aren’t going to get the highest benefit out of your efforts. Adding a workout supplement to your routine can help you turn your workouts up a notch. Supplements give you more energy to burn, allow you to focus on your form, and heightened your overall performance. One of the biggest benefits of a workout supplement is that they aid in your recovery. Working your muscles hard during a workout can hurt. With a supplement, your muscles will heal faster helping you to get back to the gym in no time.

Add Music

Never underestimate the power of music to help motivate and inspire you through your tough workouts. Creating a playlist that gets your body moving and your heart pumping can be the push that you need to get through those tougher reps. Many experienced athletes put together a playlist that matches their workout style. The best music playback may start off slower during your warm-up and then ramp up the beats to take you through the high-intensity parts of your workout.

Workout Partner

If you struggle with motivation and consistency with your workouts, you may need a partner to help add accountability to your routine. Working out on your own is fine for many people, but if you find that you struggle to stay on target, find yourself a partner that can join you in your workout and help you to focus on your goals. Hitting the streets for a run, or heading to the gym with a personal spotter can be more fun than working out on your own.

Hydrate

Exercising is thirsty work. It’s imperative that you stay well hydrated before, during, and after your workout. Without the right hydration, your body can struggle to get through your workout and will have a slower recovery period. It’s not only important to drink enough water while you are working out, but also before and after you leave the gym.

Get More Sleep

A lack of sleep will result in your body struggling to make it through your workout. The great thing about exercise is that it can help you to get higher quality sleep. On the nights before your next workout, it’s important to get to bed at a reasonable time so that you are properly rested for the next day. When you don’t have enough sleep, you put yourself at a higher risk for injury in the gym.

Post-Workout Massage

Getting a massage after your workout does more for you than just ease your tension and relax you. The kneading of your tired muscles can help release the built-up toxins that can make your recovery period more painful. Indulge in a post-workout massage after your high-intensity workouts to help increase your circulation, work out the knots, and help your muscles regenerate quickly.

Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk can work miracles for your post-workout recovery. A favorite beverage of competitive cyclists, low-fat chocolate milk is packed full of protein, which has many benefits. You get a delicious drink that is more affordable than some workout shake powders and you can find it anywhere. Chocolate milk can help your muscles repair quickly, and get you back to your normal self in a hurry.

Mix It Up

If you find your workouts boring, it will be that much harder to stay motivated and on track. To get the best overall body workout, you need to mix up your routine. Set a weekly or daily calendar and designate certain days for different workouts. For example, on Mondays, you can do hot yoga, Wednesdays you have your leg day, and Fridays could be for running. Your schedule is up to you, but with more variety, you will have an easier time getting ramped up for your workouts. You can also consider a portable gym if you want to try something different. What Is a Portable Gym? Check out this article to learn more. 

Staying in shape takes a lot of effort, and it’s disappointing not to see the results that you want. To ensure that you are working efficiently, try some of these tips to help you get the most out of your workouts.