There are plenty of reasons why working out is beneficial for you – it can help you to lose excess body fat, build muscle strength, increase cardiovascular fitness, and is a great way to blow off steam. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, simple changes to your daily routine can go a long way in helping you to burn more calories during your workout.
If that’s your goal, try out these 6 exercise hacks for a more efficient calorie burn the next time you step into the gym!
1. Get a workout buddy
It’s generally more motivating to exercise with someone as it instills more accountability and friendly competition. Research shows that working out with a partner, especially one that has more fitness experience than you, can motivate you to put more effort in your training. Similarly, competitive exercises such as team sports can also give you an extra energy boost compared to training solo. There are plenty of partner workouts you can do that are both fun and intense!
2. Increase workout intensity
One tip to get more out of your workout is to increase your workout intensity. There are a few ways to achieve this. You can increase your exercise duration, increase speed, add more weights, or reduce the amount of rest time in between sets. When done properly, a higher intensity workout will induce your body to burn more calories. Always closely monitor how your body is feeling during a workout. If you are unsure of how intense your workouts should be to be effective, approach a fitness professional such as a personal trainer to customize a program for you.
3. Plug in some music
A little bit of music can’t hurt you. In fact, it’ll help you burn more calories while increasing your enjoyment of the workout. When you’re absorbed in your favourite track, it distracts you from the voice in your head telling you to stop at the first signs of fatigue, and gives you bursts of energy to help you power through your workout.
4. Increase the Incline
If you’re working out on a treadmill, you can alter the incline to add some challenge to your workout. With that said, remember to maintain good posture and start easy when doing these exercises. Begin with a slight incline, and then gradually increase it as your body adapts to the new challenge over time.
5. Get some fresh air
If you’ve always worked out in an indoor gym environment, why not bring your workouts outdoor for a change! Fresh air and scenic nature can give you more motivation to push yourself harder and further – research has shown that you’ll tend to use more energy when you’re working out outdoors to propel yourself over the ground. To add, natural elements like the wind and rougher terrains can add some resistance and physical challenge, resulting in more energy and calorie burn.
Before you start working out outdoors, make sure you also incorporate these expert tips to make sure you avoid getting injured during your exercise session.
6. Don’t forget to warm up before your workout
Remember to warm up your muscles adequately before a workout, and stretch fully afterwards to keep your muscles flexible and reduce the risk of injury. Warming up before you start your workout is crucial, especially if you’re like many who spend a long stretch of your day seated in a stationary position at work, which can lead to muscle tightening and postural imbalances. Warm up by doing light dynamic stretching exercises such as side to side lunges, or a short slow jog to get your muscles ready for the actual workout.
In addition to these exercise hacks, supplement your workout with fitness products and supplements from our in-app wellness Marketplace! We have a range of protein bars, nutrient supplements, equipment and other items that can help you optimise your workout. Click here to enter Marketplace today and purchase your products online, with free delivery to your doorstep!
