How to Optimize Your Exercise Routine
Whether you are just beginning your fitness journey or are already a regular at the gym, these workout tips will help you to get the most out of your exercise routine.
Building a routine
The first key to building an exercise routine is to find a time that works for you and to stick to it. Establishing an exercise schedule early on will help you to develop the habit of exercising regularly, which is essential to improving and maintaining physical fitness.
If you are unsure how to build a personalized fitness routine that will allow you to achieve your goals, click the button below to read our recent blog post about personal goal setting that will help you to identify your long term vision, set short term goals and reward yourself for your progress.
Pick a time: early riser or afternoon pick-me-up?
If you are reluctant to exercise, exercising early in the morning can help you to build motivation, energy and focus for your day. Whether or not you look forward to exercising, starting your day off with an exercise routine will undoubtedly improve your mood. After all, if you wait to exercise until the afternoon or evening, you are more likely to find an excuse to put off or skip your workout. Get it over early in the day with a morning workout!
An argument can also be made for afternoon exercise. If you feel tired or drowsy in the middle of the day, try fitting in a quick work out instead of reaching for a snack or cup of coffee. Afternoon workouts are also great for people who dislike waking up early. In addition, working out in the afternoon can be better for people who experience stiff joints or muscle pain in the morning. It is wise not to work out after dinner as it can disrupt your sleep schedule.
Eating, drinking and sleeping
Eating, drinking and sleeping can all affect your exercise performance. Here are some general rules to abide by to make sure you are taking care of your body before and after working out.
Eating: It is very important to eat enough to energize your body without over-indulging before a workout. Eating a small, carbohydrate rich snack—such as a banana or a slice of multigrain toast with nut butter—is a great way to fuel up before a workout. It is best to eat a small snack instead of a full meal before a workout to avoid digestion issues such as cramping.
Drinking: Working out in a dehydrated state can be very difficult and dangerous for your body. This issue is most commonly experienced during morning workouts from a lack of hydration the day before. Make sure to drink water throughout the day—before, during and after your workout—to replenish the water lost through perspiration and prevent dehydration from setting in.
Sleeping: Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If you struggle falling asleep, exercising can help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.