People are often averse to exercising because of the amount of work and effort involved to get the results that they want. It is one thing to want to get healthier, lose weight, or develop a more toned body; it’s an entirely different thing to have the right mentality to actually do what is needed to achieve those goals.
If you have been exercising for some time, you may have gone through ups and downs over the last few days or weeks. Going through the motions is normal as there will be days when you feel like you are totally “in the zone” while there are also days when you don’t feel like moving at all.
Regardless of whether you go to the gym or opt to buy home gym equipment to get your sweat on in your personal space, here are four essential tips to help you stay motivated and build a truly effective workout zone.
1. Wear comfy workout outfits
Working out at the gym may not be all about what you wear, but your workout clothes can determine your ability to work out and get into the zone. This fact is even more noticeable if you decide to exercise at home where there’s nobody who would pay attention to your choice of clothing.
What you do choose to wear can affect your form and how hard you can exercise. Imagine having the most stylish workout attire on, but your bottoms keep riding up your legs as you exercise. Time and effort are wasted if you keep tugging at your pants every few minutes or so.
Your clothes can also be detrimental when performing certain types of exercises. Performing low squats while using gym machines such as a power rack, for instance, maybe more difficult if you wear excessively tight pants.
The key is to find workout clothes that fit you well and are designed to support your body and keep it covered while you go through your moves.
2. Remove all distractions
Electronics and mobile devices are a double-edged sword when it comes to working out. For some people, listening to high-energy music pushes them to exercise harder. Other people find it distracting.
At times, you need to be aware of what’s in front of you and around you to get your best workout. Taking selfies, responding to text messages and emails, or even checking social media notifications can take time away from your workout. Even upbeat music, stopwatches, and monitoring apps can become distractions as your focus shifts from the exercise to the music you’re listening to or to beating the clock.
Distance yourself from any form of distractions during your routine. Not only will this help you push yourself harder, but it also forces you to be aware of what you are lifting or doing. Distraction-free exercising is especially important when dealing with heavy equipment, such as weights, as it allows you to focus more on your proper form and doing more reps.
3. Focus on your objective
Another distraction you should do away with while working out is a reality. Forget any issues you may have at home, in school, or at work, or what you’ve read in the news or even your emotions. By doing so, you avoid getting injured while working out.
What you can do instead is to be clear on your objective. Have a plan for what you intend to accomplish with each workout. This way, you have a working goal before you step into your workout area.
At least the evening before, plan out your workout regimen for your gym visit. Do this whether you are aiming to go for a full-body workout or targeting a specific set of muscles. By having a definite goal and a plan, you can maximize your time at the gym.
There are plenty of books, videos, and other resources (both online and physical resources) that you can use as a guide to devising your workout plan. If you are unsure, ask for help from fitness professionals. The trainers can give you a few pointers depending on your condition and goals.
4. Stretch those muscles
Spend the first 10 minutes of your workout time doing stretches. The right stretches can enhance your range of movement, loosen any stiff muscles, and reduce the chances of injury.
There are several types of stretches you can do, depending on the kind of workout you plan to perform. The following are a few examples:
- Active stretches – These types of stretches involve using the strength of your muscles on one side to stretch the muscles on the opposite side.
- Dynamic stretching – This involves slowly moving your body to gradually increase your body’s reach and movement speed, or a combination of the two.
- Ballistic stretching – If dynamic stretching involves slow movements, ballistic stretching, on the other hand, uses faster bounces to loosen your stiff muscles. The stretches should be done with extra care to prevent injury.
Getting into that ideal workout zone is not limited to athletes, professional weightlifters, or people who have been working out for years. You can do it as well, even if you are just starting out and even if you only plan to work out at home. By having the right mindset and following these essentials, you are on your way to making the most of your workout sessions.
AUTHOR BIO
Kelvin Garner is the founder of Garner General Trading, a one-stop solution for all fitness needs in the UAE. The Garner team has put many years into sourcing a high-quality and affordable range of home and commercial gym equipment. From selecting the right equipment for your personal needs and space available to the professional setup in your home, Garner General Trading is there each step of the way.
