6 Things which will astound you about working out

When it comes to working out in a gym, there are some things which are basic and everyone should follow. Once these are down, then it is time to consider altering your routine. What hinders people from moving beyond the most basic fitness tips is the fact that they have a preconceived notion of the results and basic outcome they will have when going to the gym. Here are 6 things you need to know and follow if you want to see the results you desire.

1. Myth: the short term determines the long term

There are a ton of gyms out there which build off of the hope that you will see your ideal results in a matter of weeks. Granted, you may lose a bit of weight or see a bit of muscle definition in the first few weeks, but you need to think about the long-term. Most people only workout with the short-term goal in mind. Due to this, once that goal is reached the person has a tendency to relapse back into their former lifestyle and all their progress is lost. In order to have the body that you want try considering the following as goal alternatives:

• Instead of having a weight loss goal, have a healthy weight range goal
• Don’t have a target weight to lift, be the guy that never misses a good workout and is constantly building that max bench
• Change your short term goals so that you are always progressing. You do not have to sacrifice everything to get quick results.

2. Myth: Training Schedules are not needed, only motivation is needed

Simply put, if you do not have a schedule of training, it will be easy for you not to train. Excuses are paths that lead to nowhere, but we have a tendency to use them. If you plan to have a workout on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the gym and do a jog on Tuesdays and Thursdays, then you are more apt to do so. The mindset that “I will do this when I have time” is not good enough for a workout. Ask yourself this:

• Will you have the energy to do the workout if it is not a part of your schedule?
• Will there be enough free time to work out?
• Do you really have the willpower to do your schedule if it is not written down?

Ensure that the schedule that you make is realistic. Let is guide you and keep you on track, but remember that it is your motivation that will keep you from breaking your schedule. Stay motivated.

3. Myth: It does not matter how I work out, only that I work out

Gyms are noted for the variety of equipment and machines which are available. And while it may be appealing to try every piece of equipment and rotate through those machines as part of the routine, they may not have the benefits that you are looking for. There are a few exercises which have been used and work. These are the squat, deadlift, Bench press, Clean and Jerk, Sprints, Pullups, Pushups, and Curls. Find machines that focus on the muscle group that you are working on for that day. Too much variety may lead to a workout that leaves you exhausted but without any results.

4. Myth: light weight is good for a warm up but heavy weight is better for the routine

If you are like most people who are starting to go to a gym, then the odds are that you are going to cut some of the weight off and tone up. To do this you need light weight. Light weights cut and tone the body. Reps and sets with light weight will cut the fat levels down and make you have that ideal body quicker than if you go in and do only a couple of reps with heavy weight.

Once you have cut down your fat and got accustom to the weights and how to properly perform the exercises with the right form, then move to the heavier weight. Heavy weights add muscle and bulk. You may see an increase in your weight. Do not be alarmed. Muscle weighs more than fat. The goal is not to be a certain weight, but to be healthy and look fit.

5. Myth: If you want to have the best results you have to go 110% every time

I once met a man that was paralyzed from the waist down for a year because he tried to do too much too fast. In his case, he tried to squat way over his limit and pinched a nerve. When you work out you must take it slow and do what you can handle. Do not compare yourself to the guy next to you. Work out for you and not the other people at the gym. Set small goals every week and work to them. If you set your goal to increase by say 5 lbs a week and not 50 lbs. it is more obtainable and you stay motivated and safe in your routine.

6. Myth: If you work out well you can always see the results

The best way to stay motivated is to record what you do. You cannot know your progress any better than what a paper can show you. This is really helpful for those days when you do not feel like you have accomplished anything. Look back over your progress, adjust your schedule if needed, pick exercises that work, and record your progress.

Above all, make sure that you are happy in your workout. Yes, it is a bit of a task at first, but once you get a routine down and these tips, you find that your trips to the gym are more looked forward to than that cup of coffee.