You want to give every workout your all, you really do! But, sometimes, it’s easier said than done. Maybe you slept poorly, are feeling sore and tight after your last sweat sesh, or you’re just not feeling your workout. Look, it happens to the best of us! Getting motivated, staying consistent, and pushing yourself to your full capabilities during your workouts can be tough. If only someone had the workout hacks to help maximize your results and make every workout count, right? Well, good news — if you’re looking for workout hacks, we’ve got ‘em!
Ahead, seven simple fitness hacks to optimize your workouts. Not only are they sustainable and attainable, but you can start implementing them immediately!
7 Simple Fitness Hacks to Help You Make The Most of Every Single Workout
#1 Have a Plan to Create Consistency
It’s what you do the majority of the time that counts. So creating a consistent workout schedule is the main ingredient to creating results you can be proud of. A plan ensures you know exactly what you’re going to do when you set out your mat or lace up your shoes. And FitOn makes planning easy.
Dedicate some time on Sunday to make your schedule. While you’re lounging around, open up your FitOn app and select your workouts for the week. You’ve got lots of options on how to get started!
- For a more guided approach, select a FitOn Program
- To stay accountable and consistent, try a FitOn challenge
- If you want to choose your workout but just need a gentle push, plug in your workout selections and set workout reminders to help you stay on top of your fitness schedule during the busy week
This is a workout hack that may be game-changing when it comes to staying consistent and maintaining motivation!
#2 Always Warm up to Reduce Chance of Injury
A warm-up is a little nudge to your muscles that they’re about to get worked. This heads up gives them the chance to loosen up and prime themselves for activity. About ten minutes of light cardio and/or some dynamic stretches will help gradually raise your body temperature, heart rate, and range of motion so you can push yourself harder in your workout while staying injury-free.
Here are some exercises to help get you started:
- Anytime Warm Up with Jeanette Jenkins
- Full Body Warm Up with Vytas
- Easy Warm Up with Kenta
RELATED: What is Mobility Training & Why is it So Important
#3 Find Your Mind-Muscle Connection To Sculpt Head-To-Toe
Strength training is only as effective as your mind-muscle connection. Your body likes taking the path of least resistance. Been squatting to try and get a booty with no such luck? If you’re prone to using your quads in a squat, your glutes will be missing out on the action.
Make your workouts intentional by deciding which muscles you want to activate in each exercise. Then use deep focus to make sure they’re engaging correctly in the workout.
#4 Lift The Right Amount of Weight
Let’s bust some myths! If you’ve avoided heavier weights over fear of getting bulky or injuring yourself, hear us out. We’re not saying you have to become a competitive powerlifter to get results. Choosing the right weight that makes the last two to three reps of a set feel difficult will help you get that toned body so much quicker. It takes much more than a couple weight sessions in the gym to look like a bodybuilder (that’s why they have to work so hard!) and, in fact, the more muscle you have, the more fat you’ll burn. With the right form, you’ll get stronger and actually reduce your risk of injury.
#5 End With a Stretch or Foam Rolling to Recover Quicker
Your muscles take a beating when they get worked. Be nice to your body and take the time to do something nice for yourself and cool down. Stretching after a workout helps you gain flexibility and range of motion, improves your posture, reduces muscle tension and stress, and improves blood flow — all necessary parts of making sure your muscles feel good enough the next day to get back at it!
#6 Get Enough Beauty Sleep to Boost Muscle Repair
Along the same lines, when you work out, you create micro-tears in your muscle fibers. These need to be restored through enough recovery, including at least one to two rest days per week and enough sleep.
When you rest, your body rebuilds your muscle fibers, making them stronger than they were before. We can all take it for granted, but this is why rest is such an important part of your progress!
#7 Don’t Forget About Your Nutrition!
Your nutrition is the peanut butter to your workout routine’s jelly (yes, we went there). They’re incomplete without each other. Eating the right amounts of the right foods gives you the energy to crush your workouts, provides your muscles with the nutrients to repair and helps you keep a healthy body fat percentage. Want guidance to help you reach your fitness goals faster without counting calories? Get a personalized meal plan you’ll love with Nutritionist-developed recipes in FitOn PRO.
Results Are Right Around The Corner
Get excited because, with these eight simple fitness hacks, you’ll take your workouts to the next level. Getting satisfying results (both mental and physical) is what will keep you motivated to stay on track and continue showing your body all the love it deserves with movement, proper nutrition, and enough rest. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started on these simple but powerful workout hacks!
