Are Your Workouts Working?

You’re wandering through the grocery store, or folding laundry, or right in the middle of vacuuming when it dawns on you….Are my workouts still working? You probably saw great results when you first started to exercise, but you feel like you’re not seeing the same results anymore. Even though you’re working out just as hard, if not harder.

You're probably asking yourself Why?

Fear not! Embody to the rescue…below are 5 tips that will tell if you’re getting all you can from a workout. If you read these tips, and hear that little voice in your head saying “Uh oh” Then you may want to rev up your workouts.

1. You Make the Most of Each Move and of Your Time
Gone are the days when workouts lasted more than an hour and you had time to single out each muscle individually. These days time is of the essence, and compound movements deliver excellent results in less time than ever before.
Not sure if your routine includes compound movements? Any exercise that uses two or more joints is considered to be a compound movement. Working out with Kettlebells is an excellent way to build functional body strength and utilize compound movements.

2. You Keep it Intense
Let's be honest, at one time or another you've spent time in the gym 'exercising' without ever breaking a sweat. Maybe you drifted from one machine to the next or joined an aerobics class for a few minutes, but the bottom line was that your heart wasn't into it.
Workouts that lack intensity are practically a waste of time. Your body craves a challenge, and you see the most results when you keep your intensity high. Keep your workouts concise and push yourself with each exercise.

3. You're Consistent
Anyone can have one great workout, but one workout won't translate into killer results-only consistency will do that for you. Exercise must be a part of your daily routine, plain and simple.
One of the best ways to stay consistent with your routine is to do your workout at the same time every day. We are creatures of habit, so once your exercise schedule has been firmly set you'll find the process to be automatic, rather than an occasional afterthought.

4. You Seek a Challenge
Women….let's face it, we get bored easily. Spice up your workouts with something different. Not only does this keep you involved and challenged, but it will increase your strength, endurance and overall physical appearance. Cross-training in fitness is the combining of exercises to work various parts of the body. Often one particular activity works certain muscle groups, but not others; cross-training aims to eliminate this. Try a variety of workouts and above all ENJOY YOURSELF!

5. You're Having a Blast
Do you dread the very thought of going for a jog, but force yourself to do it simply because you've no other ideas for exercise? Stop! Exercise can be fun, especially when you find the form that is best suited for your personal preferences.
If you don't like exercise there is a good chance that your technique needs help. I pride myself in showing my students the fun side of exercise-yes, exercise is fun!

If your routine includes all of the above then congratulations – you are doing it right. You're consistent, you challenge yourself and you're seeing results. If it doesn’t, never fear, you can also switch it up and get the results you’ve been looking for.
Want a routine that incorporates everything you need to reach your fitness goals? Call or email today to set up a consultation and I'll show you how to get amazing results in less time than you think.