Get the most from your workout

If you don’t want to spend long hours at the gym, but you want to see serious results, you’ll have to maximize the effectiveness of your workout. Check out these tips to triple your effectiveness:

1. Limit your workouts to 30-40 minutes
There is a tendency to think that longer is better as far as cardio goes. The truth is that after 30-40 minutes, the benefit drops off dramatically. Limit your time, but be sure to give it your all during the time that you do dedicate to cardio.

2. Stick to high intensity workouts
If you’re just starting out with any exercise or activity, it’s best to take it slow to build up your endurance. Once you’re comfortable with your chosen exercise, be sure to turn it up a few notches higher each time that you work out.

3. Protein
If your muscles don’t have what they need to rebuild, you will get very little effectiveness out of your workout. Both cardio and strength workouts require protein to rebuild.

4. Hydrate Properly
Our bodies run off of water. Don’t load up on water just before a workout; it won’t do you any good considering that our bodies take a few hours to absorb H20. Make sure that you stay hydrated all day, not just when you’re working out.

5. Carbs
Although many diets promote a low-carb lifestyle, carbs are the main source of fuel for our bodies. Intense workouts require healthy carbs to replenish your energy, or you won’t have enough of it.

6. Mix it up
If you stick to the same routine, your body will no longer be stressed, minimizing how effective the workout is. If you feel yourself beginning to plateau with a certain exercise, be sure to switch it up for a few weeks before coming back to that exercise.