Movement

7 Tips from A UR.Life Personal Trainer To Ace Your Next Workout

It’s time to enhance your workout routine with these tried-and-tested tips from an expert UR.Life trainer. Simple yet fruitful, these tips do not require any special effort to be implemented.

By URLife Team

24 Apr 2023

Leave the gym feeling like a superstar each time when you know how to make the most out of any workout! Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or a newbie, there is always room to improve and further optimise your performance. But how exactly can you go about making each workout count more towards your fitness goals?

From warming up properly to choosing the right exercises, there are plenty of ways to maximise your workout and take your fitness to the next level. Here are 7 insider tips from Syed Ismail, Fitness Manager and Trainer at UR.Life Studio for acing your workouts and getting the most out of every rep, set, and mile.

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Tips to Ace Your Workout

Get the Motivation

Sometimes, we all struggle with motivation when it comes to exercising. However, one helpful tip is to remind ourselves of all the important reasons why exercise matters to us personally. Everyone has different goals, and it’s important to remember these goals when lacking motivation. Someone’s motive might be to increase their endurance, for others, it might be to keep their body toned. So, it is important for you to find your ‘why’ when it comes to workout. You might do it to improve your physical health and prevent illness, to boost your mental well-being and reduce stress, or simply to feel more confident and happy in your body.

Whatever the reason, it's essential to keep it at the forefront of our minds when we feel unmotivated. And by doing so, we can find the inspiration we need to get up and start moving, even when we don't necessarily feel like it. So, find your motivation to give your workout a good headstart.

Listen to Music

If you’re particularly dreading getting to the gym, finding something else to distract you while you’re exercising can be ideal. You can listen to your favourite podcast or audiobook while running on the treadmill. It can help you focus on something other than the exercise and make the time go by faster.

Another option is to watch an episode of your favourite TV show or movie while using any cycling machine. This can be a great way to distract yourself from physical exertion and make your workout feel more like a leisure activity.

It's important to note that while adding entertainment to your workout can be helpful in making it more enjoyable, it's still important to maintain proper form and safety precautions. So make sure to keep your attention focused on your movements and avoid getting too distracted by your entertainment.

Right Mindset To Exercise

Exercise and mindset go hand in hand. If you don’t have a proper mindset, you won’t be able to excel with your exercise routine. Research has shown that incorporating music into your workout routine can have a positive impact on your overall performance.

A 2021 study published in the journal Perceptual and Motor Skills found that individuals who listened to their favourite music during their warm-up had improved exercise performance compared to those who didn't listen to any music at all. This is because music can have a powerful effect on our mood, helping us to feel more motivated, focused, and energised during our workouts. When we listen to music that we enjoy, it can also distract us from feelings of fatigue or discomfort, making it easier to push through tough exercises.

It's important to note that the type of music you listen to can also have an impact on your workout performance. Upbeat and energetic music is generally better suited for high-intensity exercises, while slower and more relaxing music can be beneficial for low-intensity workouts like yoga or stretching.

So, Incorporating music into your exercise routine can help improve and improve your mindset and overall performance. So next time you hit the gym, make sure to bring along your favourite tunes and get ready to crush your workout.

Engage Your Core

Engaging your core is a crucial aspect of any workout routine. It helps to improve stability, balance, and overall control during physical activity. One effective technique for engaging your core is to focus on your breathing.

When you inhale, try to expand your diaphragm and allow your belly to expand. As you exhale, draw your belly button in towards your spine, engaging your core muscles. This technique, known as diaphragmatic breathing, helps to activate the deep muscles of the core, providing better stability and control during exercise.

In addition to breathing, there are a variety of exercises that can help you engage your core. Planks, for example, are an excellent way to strengthen the muscles of the core and improve control. To perform a plank, start in a push-up position with your arms extended, then lower your body down onto your forearms. Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, engaging your core muscles throughout the exercise.

Another effective exercise for core engagement is the bird dog position. Start on all fours, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Slowly lift one arm and the opposite leg, keeping your core engaged throughout the movement. Alternate sides and repeat for several reps.

Related Story: How to Perfect the Downward Dog?

Not Every Workout Needs to Leave You Exhausted

Exhausting yourself every workout isn't always necessary. While it might sound counterintuitive, sometimes a gentler approach can be just as effective for achieving your fitness goals. In fact, research has shown that low to moderate-intensity exercise can be just as beneficial as high-intensity workouts. This is especially true for activities that focus on improving flexibility, mobility, and balance, such as yoga or pilates.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science concluded that low to moderate-intensity exercises, such as yoga and Pilates, are effective in improving balance, flexibility, and muscular endurance.

Additionally, overexertion can lead to burnout, injury, and diminished motivation to continue working out. By adopting a more balanced approach that includes both high- and low-intensity exercise, you can create a sustainable workout routine that promotes long-term health and wellness.

Also, incorporating rest and recovery into your exercise routine is essential for achieving long-term fitness goals. Allowing your body to rest and repair itself after a workout can help to prevent injury, reduce fatigue, and improve overall performance.

Ultimately, the key to a successful workout routine is to find what works best for your individual needs and preferences. Whether it's a high-intensity boot camp or a restorative yoga class, listen to your body and make choices that support your overall well-being.

Listen To Your Body

One crucial aspect of exercising safely is to listen to your body and pay attention to any signals it may be sending you. If you experience pain or discomfort during a workout, it's an indicator to stop and address the issue to prevent further injury. Also, you should be able to distinguish between soreness and pain. While soreness can be a sign of your muscles growing, pain can indicate a sprain or injury.

Ignoring the pain and pushing through workouts can lead to more severe injuries, which can take longer to heal and disrupt your fitness routine. It's crucial to take breaks, rest, and modify your workouts as needed to avoid pain and prevent injury. Also, if you're returning to the gym after a prolonged break, it's important to start slowly and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts. This approach will allow your body to adjust to the demands of exercise and minimise the risk of injury.

Celebrate Your Body’s Win

No matter how small, every win should be celebrated. Embrace your body for its accomplishment. It's important to take time to appreciate your body's progress and accomplishments after a workout. Whether it's hitting a new personal record or simply feeling stronger and more energised, celebrating these wins can help boost your motivation and confidence. Take a moment to reflect on your workout and acknowledge the hard work you put in. You may want to reward yourself with a healthy snack or treat, or simply bask in the sense of accomplishment. By focusing on the positive and recognising your achievements, you'll be better equipped to stay on track with your fitness goals and continue making progress.

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

Looking for an exclusive and unique experience, expert staff, and unparalleled member services? Come join us at URLife Studios! We offer a comprehensive range of wellness services that promote optimum well-being. We are a trusted source for unique holistic health and pregnancy care workshops. Our physiotherapists design customised rehab programs based on health conditions.

At UR.Life Studios, we offer a complete multi-disciplined approach to fitness and well-being. The URLife Studio is a luxe wellness oasis, combining sleek modern design, lavish amenities, state-of-the-art equipment and personalised wellness programs.