Sensible Tips to Make the Most of Your Fitness Workout Routines

I do not intend to oversimplify things - there are obvious considerations: knowing what you'd like to achieve and realizing that you will have to take the time and effort to work out. Realize that these are given, or you will be wasting your time. Sorry, nothing good comes without sacrifice. But you will enjoy your success more than you can imagine right now, once you get there. So, what is the glue that holds your overall progress and results together to make a real difference? Consistency - autonomic sense of routine - motivation - enjoyment - results = more enjoyment.

With very little additional effort on your part, these simple and commonsense steps can take your performance and results to a new level. We're not talking about scientific secrets or involved strategies; they are merely techniques that will keep you and your workout routines "on track" and give you the results you "should" be getting. But surely there's a whole lot more to this than a few simple procedures? No, many fitness authorities tend to make health-related fitness rather complicated - and expensive, but it needn't be. The essence is a sensible and practical approach. Assuming that you've done the necessary preliminaries like your medical check-up and workout program selection, here's how you can make the most from your Health-Related Fitness Workout Routines:

- A WORKOUT LOG 

Without a plan, you are pretty much shooting in the dark. It is vital to "map out" your workout routines and keep track of your progress if you intend to realize your program goals. You should use a workout log to assist you in setting out your program activities, recording your performance, and tracking your body measurements. Your documented progress is also a great way to boost your motivation. In addition, make a commitment to yourself in your log in the form of a simple contract. If you fulfill your training goals, the prospect of a reward is another way to motivate your efforts.

- THINK ABOUT YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINES

This does not mean obsessing about them. It simply means that briefly visualizing the workouts and going through the programmed exercise acts like a rehearsal in your mind - an appetizer if you like. As you start making gains and progressing with your program, you may even find that this happens without willing it - and gets you excited. If you can savor the prospect of working out, then you are really into your program, and that's a good sign.

- A SENSE OF ROUTINE

This is an important catalyst and precursor to help get you motivated. Your motivation will then take care of your sense of routine and vice versa. The fastest way to fall off the proverbial bus is to miss successive planned workouts. Then, making excuses for why you need to miss more becomes less difficult to rationalize. Before you know it, you've packed it in and given up. I am saying that sticking to your program is essential, even when you sometimes do not feel like it. It can happen, though, that you need to miss a workout here and there - but don't make a habit of it. Capitalize on the momentum and don't forfeit your investment. ROUTINE = MOTIVATION = ROUTINE = SUCCESS.

6 - VARIETY BRINGS WELCOME STIMULATION

Obviously, too much repetition can lead to boredom, especially with long workouts. Remember, the sense of routine is important, but do not misunderstand this to infer that you should stick to the same program design for all eternity. It applies to the "consistency" in working out. In the larger realm of things, cycling your exercise routines is a good way to keep your fitness program stimulating and interesting. Build-in some variety into your workouts. Even your muscles tend to get bored with the same workout routine or order of exercises. Try reversing or alternating exercise types in successive workouts, not only for variety but also to keep your muscles "thinking." I revise my workout programs monthly. I also build a low-impact month every 3 months to alleviate any sense of boredom and maximize my recovery. This useful "mini layoff" keeps me interested and gets me eager to come back for more success.

- MUSIC TO SET THE MOOD

I appreciate background music when I train, but I avoid using headphones when I do my weight workouts. It goes without saying that if you are handling heavyweights, you need to be perfectly attuned to your body, breathing, and positioning to achieve proper results and avoid any possible accidents. Of course, doing cardio presents less danger, aside from cycling or road running where traffic could pose risks to your safety. Use whatever works for you, but apply due caution and do it the sensible way.

- REST AND SLEEP

Unfortunately, a hectic work schedule and little sleep do not bode well for successfully fulfilling a workout program. You need to give your body adequate rest after your workouts to derive the benefits of physical exercise. One has to be sensible about this. The quickest way to fall prey to colds and flu is by lowering your resistance through physical exertion and lack of sleep. And you will need even more if you're following a tough workout program. Lack of sleep increases cortisol levels in the blood and compromises the efficacy of your natural antibodies.

- PICTURE IT 

Photography is an excellent way to boost your morale and keep you on track with your exercise program. Naturally, you need to be doing your workouts regularly and eating well to progress and show your body condition. Comparing before and after photos is a tried and trusted method to keep commitment and motivation high.

- NO EXCUSES, PLEASE

Excuses work as an interesting double-edged sword, and I know this from personal experience. Once you actively participate in a workout program and see results, you will better understand what this is all about. If you were previously inactive, you may recall how easy it was to use excuses for why you couldn't work out like: I have no time, they're too many other important commitments, or perhaps even the gym is too far and so forth. Once you get active and become serious, you will find yourself making excuses for why you cannot miss your workout routines. In fact, you will do almost anything to abide by your training schedule. If you can relate to this, it means you're on the right track and making the most of your workout routines. Always try and stay focused, so you use the correct edge.