If you can feel your legs after your workout, you’re probably doing something wrong.
The thrill of going to the gym comes from the personal challenge and goals you set for yourself. Whether you want to tone your legs, buff your butt, or shed some pounds, working out provides the opportunity to achieve a healthier you.
Not only does working out whip you into shape, but it also proves to be extremely beneficial for your mental and emotional health as well. Overall, working out should be an essential part of your routine to keep your body strong and your heart stronger.
If you’ve been going to the gym or working out in the comfort of your home for a while, the results should go without saying. However, if you haven’t been “feeling the burn” lately, you may want to rethink your regular workout routine.
Here’s how you can step up your workout routine in order see the best results.
Don’t Do The Same Ole’ Thing
If you’ve been doing the same squats and ab exercises week after week, you may want to switch it up. Doing the same routine continuously means your body won’t have to do all the work after a while. With each exercise that we learn, our bodies become accustomed to doing it. Try intensifying your routine as well to create more challenges. Therefore it’s important to try incorporating new workouts in your routine or eliminating the ones that give little to no results.
Balance Your Workout
So you love the electrifying feeling you get after your Zumba or spin class, but that doesn’t mean that’s all you should do. Doing the same type of exercises or workout will limit your opportunity to work on all the parts of your body as opposed to just one. Create a schedule that includes a variation of workouts including cardio, flexibility, and strength in order to keep your body and mind well rounded.
Don’t Overdo It
I’m sorry to break it to you, but feeling completely drained and sore after a workout doesn’t mean it’s working. Doing too much in the gym can cause everything from insomnia to unhealthy cravings, which will have the reverse effect on your body. If you’re unsure about what works best for you, meet with a personal trainer to figure out your fitness level in order to create a workout plan that challenges you without leaving you swamped.
Change Your Diet
An intense cardio session won’t change anything if you have a box of Krispy Kreme donuts waiting for you at home. The truth is you can’t out-exercise a bad diet. The key is finding a diet with the perfect balance because here’s the thing—eating too much = weight gain and eating too little = lack of energy. While it’s best to find a diet that works best for your body, it’s good to start with decreasing your intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and bad carbs and incorporate more fruits, vegetables, protein, and good fats in your diet.
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