3 Easy Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workouts

Do you ever feel like there’s never enough time to fit everything into your health and fitness routine? I get it—but it doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it. That’s why it’s so important to make the most of the precious time we have in the gym! To be sure those hours are working for you (without adding more to your calendar), here are a few areas worth focusing on:

Take advantage of your warm-up.
Instead of treating this part of class as a box to check before the “real” work, see it as an opportunity! I think of warm-ups as an extra 5–10 minutes of training. If I’m here to work hard (I am!), this is simply more of what I came for. Most of us need more movement in our day anyway, so why not use this time as part of it? A good warm-up also prepares you for the effort ahead. It should gradually build toward the challenge of the workout, letting you practice the day’s movements and get your body ready for what’s next.

Challenge your range of motion.
The numbers—weight lifted, time on the clock, reps completed—usually get all the shine. But those who consistently push themselves to work through a full, natural range of motion build both strength and mobility at the same time. That’s real progress. If you struggle to sit into a full squat, lock out a press, or keep your back flat when picking something up, use your workouts as a chance to chip away at these details. Be mindful of where you can improve, and take one step toward a fuller range each time you work out.

Stretch when you’re done.
Whether it’s built into class or not, take advantage of being warm (we move best when our muscles are heated up!) and spend 5–10 minutes working on the areas that feel tight. If you know a specific movement gives you trouble, target that. Just like with strength or endurance, consistent work on your weak spots adds up when you stick with it.

Everyone’s short on time. That’s why small choices to maximize the minutes we do have are such a win. Come in knowing what you’re after, and let us know when we can help you get there!