Getting into the best shape of your life will depend on the plan you put yourself on. Goals differ by the individual with some wanting to gain muscle while others want to lose weight. You need to establish a routine that aligns with the goals that you have. Consistent effort is a huge aspect of fitness as there will be plenty of days you don’t want to hit the gym. Staying active on your recovery days is also important even if you just take a short hike or bike ride. Motivation can be hard to come by on certain days so a workout partner can help hold you accountable. Below are tips to help you start getting into the best shape of your life.
Establish A Workout Schedule And Stick To It
Setting a schedule for when you will exercise and holding yourself accountable is imperative. There is such a thing as working too hard and this can be counterproductive. There could be days that are quite easy at the gym but a mediocre workout is better than no workout at all. Look for programs online that you can follow as there are a number to choose from.
Put A Focus On Recovery
The recovery of your muscles is going to be fuled by your nutrition. Eating within your recovery window which is around 45 minutes is imperative. This is why athletes take protein shakes along with other supplements immediately following a tough workout. Nutrition is going to be a building block of any person trying to get into the best shape of their lives.
A foam roller can also work wonders to get knots out of muscles. This can also improve circulation which in turn helps assist in the recovery process. Listening to your body is important as overworking muscles can lead to injuries from strains or joint issues. Recovery can come in the form of active recovery of taking a hike or a relaxed stationary bike ride.
Hot tubs can help assist with muscle recovery and can help loosen tight areas. The heat can be so important as hot and cold therapy is used widely among amateur and professional athletes. Massage from the jets can be so relaxing for people that might have problem areas.
Cut Alcohol Out Of Your Life
Alcohol can impact recovery in a negative manner. You not only will be dehydrated but a hangover is likely to ruin a workout if you can manage on the next day. The empty calories of alcohol can also lead to less than healthy dietary choices late at night. Mixing drinks can also add calories during a night out as people rarely drink liquor straight. Beers can have calorie-friendly versions but this comes at the expense of how much alcohol the beer contains. Try a 90-day alcohol-free challenge to see how much better you feel and how much better you perform in the gym.
Getting into the best shape of your life is going to be challenging. Set goals and continually work towards those. Figuring out what works for you is very important as is getting into a consistent routine.