Health and Fitness

How to get more out of your workouts

Remember when you first started, we warned you that you may become obsessed with Studio Pilates?

The thing is, no matter how much you are enjoying what you are doing, or what your weekly routine looks like, it’s important to revitalise your workout regularly to keep you mentally and physically strong and engaged.

HERE’S 6 STEPS TO ENSURE YOU’RE GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TIME WITH US:

  1. Have you reset goals lately?

 

It’s time to take stock of where you are and where you want to be. What do you want to accomplish?   Be realistic, but dream big.

Is it to get lean and strong? To lose weight?  To lose centimetres? Gain greater flexibility? Take some time out just for you? All of the above?

It is best to make your goals SMART ie specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.  So rather than saying “I want to increase my energy levels” or “I want to lose weight”, add meaningful details, such as “I want to have the strength and stamina I need for my trekking trip in November.”

 

  1. Do you have a clear payoff in mind?

Why do I want to achieve this goal?  How will achieving it make me feel? This is crucial to your goal setting.

eg “I want to be confident I can keep up with the group on the trek, so that I can enjoy amazing places and experiences that can only be seen on foot.”

 

 

  1. Do you have a plan?

How are you going to achieve your goals?

Your goals need some structure and support around them so you can develop a “no excuses” mentality.  What do you need to do, or accomplish, in order to reach your goals?  In what time frame?

Write down your goals – and list your steps to getting there. Maybe you want to enlist the help of a digital fitness tracker, or a friend. What was a wish, or a hope, or a dream, gets turned into a commitment to which you are accountable … which means your chances of success just skyrocketed!

Too busy to exercise?  Not in the mood? Can’t resist that burger and fries?  Your plan will remind you just what you are committing to and why your goal is so important. It will also help you identify your saboteurs and plan appropriate countermeasures. It will give you clarity, and help you check your progress, and provide validation for your actions.

 

  1. Change up what you are doing – regularly

Can you add a new cardio interest into the mix? Can you ramp up your resistance? Can you fit in another class each week?  Your instructor is there to ensure you are getting the most out of your workout, so make sure you have a chat about what you would like out of your sessions. Keep your body guessing – and your mind stimulated with new challenges.

 

  1. When the going gets tough – and it will – what will you do?

What obstacles – real or perceived –  might you be facing? Think about your favourite excuses.  Do you blame others for misleading you?  Do you blame your work hours for stopping you from exercising?  Is your negative head chatter about your body image holding you back?

Don’t let those excuses get the better of you. Remember, you are in charge of your destiny.  Wake up earlier to fit in a workout.  Get your clothes out the night before.  Put your alarm clock on the other side of the room.  Have only “clean” food in the house while you are watching your weight. Become your own cheerleader. Enlist the help and support of friends. For every excuse you’re likely to develop when things get tough, have a countermeasure at the ready. Resolve to push through it, sore muscles and all!

 

  1. Don’t forget the fun bit: your rewards

Think about the rewards you will give yourself as you achieve your mini goals and major goal. Keep focused on these as you move towards your next goal. Acknowledging yourself for a job well done is a vital part of keeping up your enthusiasm.  What’s it to be? A special outing for the halfway mark?  A new workout kit?  A celebration with friends?  You deserve it!

We hope these tips help you stay committed to your health and wellness habits.