It takes only 30 minutes of exercise per day to help you lose weight, decrease your risk for chronic diseases and reduce your stress levels. With that in mind, these last few summer months are the perfect time to ramp up your workout game. Here are a few tips on how you can take your workout to the next level.
Have a good warmup
Start with some simple stretching, then move into a pre-workout routine to help warm up your muscles and switch on your nervous system. A few minutes of jumping rope, doing jumping jacks or foam rolling will help get your body ready for activity.
Find a workout you actually enjoy
If the treadmill isn’t doing it for you anymore, venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. Head to a barre class with a friend, or opt for a Zumba class at your local gym. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to mix it up every once in a while to keep your workout fresh.
Download some high-energy music
Listening to music while on the move can distract you from sore muscles, keep your energy up and boost your mood. If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out this ultimate workout playlist created by scientists to help you increase your intensity and maximize your workout.
Drink lots of water
The best time to drink water is two hours before you plan to exercise. But get in the habit of taking a water bottle with you to your workout and continue to hydrate after. Dehydration during exercise will slow you down and make for a harder workout.
Log results after each session
Logging your results post-workout will help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Write down your workouts in a journal or download one of these apps to help hold yourself accountable and stay motivated.
Get plenty of sleep
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night―if you’re getting anything less, consider reworking your schedule by going to bed 15 minutes earlier or cutting down your morning routine by 10 minutes. These numbers may seem small, but they will add up to a lot more time to snooze each week.
Exercising on a regular basis is crucial when it comes to reducing your cancer risk. Check out Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Pinterest for more information and inspiration on how to up your workout game.
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