We are all busy and can struggle to find time to fit everything in to our day, so when it comes to exercise we want to get as much from our workout as possible. The following tips will help you to make your workout more time efficient, whether it is in the gym, swimming, cycling or going out for a run.
1. Time Your Rest Periods Between Sets and Exercises
Sticking to a set rest period between your exercises at the gym or work periods when doing interval training will not only improve the efficiency of your workout, but it will actually improve your program as rest between sets is a critical exercise variable. Use an alarm on your phone or wear a stopwatch to keep your rest periods on time during your workout.
2. Superset Your Exercises
Supersets are a great way to make the most of your time in the gym. This can be done by alternating between sets going from an upper body exercise straight into a lower body exercise. This allows you to complete two exercises in the time it would have taken to do one, while your upper body is recovering between sets your lower body is exercising.
3. Have a Planned Workout
When you go to the gym it is good to have a plan of the exercises or planned out the amount and type of intervals you will perform when running or swimming. Having your exercises written down and ticking them off as you do them ensures that you don’t waste time during your workout wondering what to do or doing more than you really need to.
4. Leave Your Phone Behind
With today’s smartphones and social media just a finger swipe away, having your mobile with you in the gym can be very distracting and can slow down your workout. It is very easy to use your phone to procrastinate and while you should be doing your next set of squats you are too busy telling your friends on Facebook that you are at the gym!
By Jack Hickey
Exercise Physiologist at MD Health Pilates
