Looking to “up” your workout game? Take note there are small tweaks you can do each time you are in the gym to get in a better overall workout session. The great news is these tweaks do not take a lot of time or effort but can certainly help catapult your results one step higher. What four things should you be focusing on?
Let’s take a closer look…
1. Performing Compound Exercises First. If you are going to see optimal results, it is a must you focus on doing your compound exercises first. These moves are going to give you the best “bang for your buck” so to speak, so doing them first will pay off. This way, you can put maximum energy into each rep you perform.
Save the lower intensity moves: bicep curls, lateral raises, and so on, for later in the workout when you don’t need to feel your freshest.
2. Supersetting Lower With Upper Body Movements. It is also a wise idea to begin super setting upper body movements with lower body movements whenever possible. Setting these body movements will enable you to do three things…
- first, it ups the intensity of your workout session since you will go from one exercise to the next with little to no rest in between.
- second, it saves you time. Since you are not resting as much, you will slash your total workout time by at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- third, it doesn’t take away from how much weight you can lift overall. Since one-half of the body rests while the second half works, this allows you to keep the overall intensity higher.
3. Focusing On Breathing. Next, don’t neglect your breathing. Neglecting your breathing will have a significant influence on the overall results you see: it will stop you generating speed and power. Too many people overlook their breathing entirely, which can then short-circuit the results they would otherwise experience.
Remember to breathe regularly and to not hold your breath unless you are at the bottom of a squat.
4. Timing Your Rest Periods. Finally, take note of how long your rest periods are lasting. A rest period should only be around 60 to 90 seconds for compound lifts and 30 to 60 seconds for isolation movements.
Rest for a longer period, and you are going to be sacrificing results – especially if your goal is fat burning. Keep your rest periods short and snappy to get the best metabolic boost possible but still long enough so you can lift heavy and challenge yourself with a sufficient enough weight.
Keep these four tips in mind next time you hit the gym. By putting them into action, you can ensure you are getting the absolute best workout possible.
