We all lead busy lives and sometimes getting a 60 or 90-minute workout in is not feasible. That’s why today I am here to talk about a concept that's near and dear to my heart: working out smarter, not harder.
Now, it’s no secret that I love a good long workout, but some of you out there may not have that luxury. I also have a home gym and a gaggle of friends that help motivate me, so I get that it’s a bit easier for me.
Look, I get it, between work, family, and everything else, finding time to exercise can feel like a Herculean task, so I'm here to share my best tips to help you maximize your workouts and get the best results possible.
First things first, let's talk about EFFICIENCY. When it comes to working out, it's not about how long you spend at the gym, but rather what you do with the time you have. That's where smart workout planning comes into play.
Instead of aimlessly wandering from machine to machine, have a plan before you even step foot in the gym. Whether it's a full-body circuit or a targeted strength training session, having a plan will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.
If you’re on the road, plan on doing a full body circuit using your own body weight. Check out this Instagram post where I share the exact workout I do when I’m on the road.
Next up, let's talk about INTENSITY. You don't need to spend hours on end working out to see results. In fact, shorter, more intense workouts can often be more effective than long, drawn-out ones.
So, instead of slaving away on the treadmill for an hour, why not try a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout instead? HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods, and they're a great way to torch calories and improve your cardiovascular fitness in a fraction of the time.
Strength training is also an essential component of any well-rounded fitness routine. And when it comes to strength training, it's all about quality over quantity.
Instead of mindlessly pumping out rep after rep with light weights, focus on lifting heavier weights with proper form. By challenging your muscles with heavier weights, you'll stimulate more muscle growth and see better results in less time. This is a HUGE part of my brand new program, PowerSync 60™. All workouts are synced with hormonal fluctuations, so that you get the most opitmal results.
If you’re just starting out, it’s important to listen to your body and not over do it. You don’t want to be so sore that you can’t workout again for 3 days or a week. You’d be surprised how quickly you can build strength as long as you stay consistent.
Of course, no workout is complete without proper nutrition. You can't out-train a bad diet, as they say. So, make sure you're fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. That means plenty of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support your workouts and aid in recovery.
I love to have a shake right after my workout and I load it up with protein and other nutrients to support my body after a big sweat or weight sesh.
And speaking of recovery, don't forget to give your body the rest it deserves. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injury, so make sure you're giving yourself adequate time to rest and recover between workouts. That might mean taking a day off from the gym altogether or simply incorporating some active recovery activities like yoga or walking on your rest days.
So there you have it, folks. Working out smarter, not harder is all about maximizing your time and effort to get the best results possible. By focusing on efficiency, intensity, proper nutrition, and adequate recovery, you can achieve your fitness goals without spending hours in the gym.