When people exercise, they often have a certain goal in mind – whether it’s weightloss, increasing muscle mass, or getting better muscle definition. The problem is they might not be engaging in physical activity that is effective for their goals. For instance, Time highlights how exercise, when done in the recommended amount of 30 minutes a day for five days a week, is enough to maintain health but not lose weight. It is necessary to burn between 400-500 calories to see a difference.
Such nuances have led many to feel discouraged from continuing with physical activity. Thankfully, there are tips you can do to make the most out of your exercise sessions. These can help you understand what you may be doing wrong, how to make your routine more effective, and which goals are healthy pursuits.
Consult with a medical professional
How our bodies respond to physical activity can vary from person to person – it’s never a one size fits all solution. Because your health can be a reason why working out is not effective in helping you meet your goals, seeking the advice of a medical professional can be your first step in changing this.
Consulting with a nurse practitioner (NPs) can be especially helpful for setting realistic fitness goals, especially if you’re working with a medical condition. Moreover, many NPs are now available online through telemedicine, so you can even consult with experts outside your state. For example, remote nurse practitioners from Iowa are not only required to have an RN license in the state, but must also graduate from an advanced practice master of science in nursing program or complete a doctoral degree program in advanced practice— so patients know they are in good hands. The remote nature of their work also allows you to set appointments on your own time, making consultations easier to fit into a busy schedule.
During these consultations, do be upfront with your current health status, what you want to achieve through working out, and what you have already done to reach these goals. An NP will be able to give you advice on tailored diet changes and possible exercises that can help make physical activity more effective for you.
Hire a personal trainer
After getting the all-clear from a medical professional, you can also seek the help of a personal trainer. These are individuals who hold vast knowledge of the different types of exercises, how they can benefit people, and what strategies are best used for their clients.
In many areas, this is a regulated profession. For instance, hiring an athletic trainer in New York means you will work with someone who has an educational background in kinesiology, exercise physiology, and preventive care. Aside from having completed certain educational modules, athletic trainers are also required to pass certification exams before they receive their license. This ensures they have a deep understanding on how to apply the training they’ve undergone. Many reputable gyms have athletic trainers on their staff, making them very accessible to those who regularly work out in these spaces. Conversely, some trainers also offer their services online through one- on-one sessions or classes, so they are not difficult to come by.
When working with a personal trainer, tell them your healthcare provider’s recommendations, what goals you have in mind, and what your lifestyle looks like. With this, they will be able to create a workout plan that will better suit your needs and preferences.
Don’t be afraid to try new things
After working with different professionals, you may be able to see better results than before. Unfortunately, this is where many become complacent and stop trying to advance themselves. But as our article on the ‘Top 9 Ways to Always Make Progress In The Gym’ explains, doing this will only lead to plateaus. To prevent this, try mixing up your routines every so often. Repeating the same routine can leave you bored and demotivated, so trying new things will help invigorate and motivate you. Simple changes such as utilizing a new machine or altering how you do normal reps can offer your body a new challenge, and even help you continue to get optimal results.
Working out is not always a smooth journey. However, with the right approach, patience, and expert guidance, you can sustainably and enjoyably reach your goals.
