If you’re starting a new fitness routine or are looking to enhance your current one, there are some necessary elements in helping you get the most out of your workouts. If you’re serious about getting in shape, these steps will help you take your workout routine even further. Read ahead for a few ideas of how you can turn your boring old exercise routine into a legitimate workout for a real athlete.
Fitness Bands
If you’re serious about fitness, it’s important to keep track of your activity. With products such as the Nike FuelBand, you can keep track of everything from your activity level to your sleeping patterns. Fitness bands allow you to keep track of your activity, ensure you make your goals, and help you measure your progress over time.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most necessary elements of getting into shape is staying hydrated. Without proper hydration, your body will not be able to recover properly from your workout, and dehydration will hurt your progress in the end. Drink plenty of water and invest in hydration drinks such as Powerade, which will help you recover faster by helping replenish lost electrolytes.
Protein Shakes
Protein is essential to helping your muscles recover after a tough workout. Protein helps build muscle and eases muscle repair, and a protein shake is a fast, effective way to get your muscles what they need. You can have a shake before or after a workout, both times considered beneficial to muscle building and repair.
A Good Stretch
Stretching is an often-overlooked step in fitness, but it is easily one of the most essential parts of any workout. Stretching cold muscles before a workout can actually hurt your muscles, but stretching afterward will help them heal and will minimize your next-day pain. Especially if you lack flexibility, invest in some stretching bands and yoga blocks to help you get a deep stretch you wouldn’t otherwise be able to perform.
The Perfect Playlist
Music will turn an otherwise boring workout into a fun one. Running out on the streets can get old, but put your favorite song on or make an upbeat playlist and you’ll be less likely to get bored. You’ll feel upbeat and energized, and your workout will feel easier and easier, allowing you to do more and get more for your efforts. Changing up your playlist every week for your week of workouts will make a somewhat monotonous exercise routine less boring and give you the motivation to keep going.
Injury Aids
If you have a pre-existing injury, it can slow down a good workout more than you realize. If you don’t want to be hindered by any aches and pains, make sure you have all the equipment necessary to keep the pain at bay and prevent any further injury. If you wear any knee or ankle braces, don’t try to tough it out by exercising without them. Many serious athletes use KT tape, a sticky tape that is designed to help relieve pain when you attach it to the injured area or areas. This tape is water and sweat resistant, so as soon as you stick it on, you’ll forget about those bothersome injuries and be able to focus fully on your workout.
Whether you’ve had a fitness routine for years or are just starting out, there are some things that are essential to all levels. Fitness trackers, hydration, protein shakes, stretching, music, and injury aids are some essential to a serious workout. If you’re looking to get the most out of your fitness routine, these tips are the perfect things to help pump you up and really stick to a good workout routine.