Here are a few important workout tips from HMF!
- If you use a phone for music or fitness tracking, put it on airplane mode! (Most apps have options to still function offline and upload data when reconnected.) We cannot stress this enough!!! You are NOT working out if you are distracted by notifications and playing with your phone. That minute of rest in between sets will turn into five without you even realizing it. Likewise, you can lose concentration on what you doing – causing poor form or even less strength/stamina on the next set.
- Choose functional exercise over assisted as much as possible. Remember that a machine always does some of the work and support. For cardio, that means actual walking, running, swimming, etc. A piece of cardio equipment like a treadmill is great for a rainy day, but overuse will cause muscle imbalances and injury over time. The same goes for weight machines – they will never provide as effective of a workout that dumbbells, a barbell, or your own body can offer. (If for any reason you have to use machines, it’s always a priority to get some exercise in, regardless.)
- Fuel your workouts and stay hydrated! Exercise on an empty stomach is asking for trouble for a variety of reasons including poor energy levels, loss of mental focus, and getting sick during a session. Ignore whatever ridiculous celebrity diet you have read about and have a piece of fruit or a small natural smoothie a half hour beforehand. Also, make sure you always eat right after a workout – your body needs a mix of healthy fats, clean protein, proper carbs, and vitamins/minerals to rebuild!
- Mix things up. We’re all about challenging your limits with intense sessions, but if every workout you do is aimed to be soaked in sweat and sore for three days, you’re overdoing it and not offering enough balance. Try some slower workouts, lighter weights with higher reps, or smaller movements that work supportive muscles groups. You’ll be amazed how much you gain in the tougher sessions after.
- No matter what kind of workout you do, always allow at least 48 hours of recovery before working that same muscle group or engaging in that specific activity again. Yes, that includes your abs. And yes, that also includes cardio!!! It can even apply to massage or more intense stretching. Your body needs to rest and heal. You can workout on back to back days – you simply have to change what you do or what muscles your train – otherwise you risk overuse injuries.
- Remember you don’t always have to listen to the same music each time you work out. You always have a choice between hard rock or heavy metal. Both a perfectly acceptable to motivate you through a tough session!