5 WAYS TO HAVE A GREAT WORKOUT!

The Importance of Music At The Gym

Listening to music during your workout can benefit your performance, mental health, and, overall mood. Studies show that fast-paced music tends to help you achieve your fitness goals whether that’s your personal best distance, pace, or weight.  

A 2010 study led by C.I. Karageorghis states that music can improve athletic performance in two ways: it can either delay fatigue or increase work. According to this study, the music leads to “higher-than-expected levels of endurance, power, productivity, or strength.” 

Music can also reduce anxiety, improve your general mood and strengthen social bonds with fellow gym mates. 

The Importance of Good Trainers 

Your trainer choice should be dependent on your type of workout. According to Adidas, a flat sole is ideal for stabilising your feet and helping your performance if you're weight training. This is due to being able to give maximum power pressing into the floor. This also ensures you engage the right muscles as you lift, we don’t want any injuries! 

Why Track Your Workouts? 

According to the renowned gym company, ‘Anytime Fitness’ (2023), tracking your fitness keeps you accountable, motivated and helps achieve realistic goals when working out. 

One of the best ways to track your workouts is by using a smartwatch, they tend to track your heart rate, steps, sleep, distance, pace, calories and record your workouts. Recording your heart rate will let you know if you’re working out hard enough or too little. Also, if you have an Apple watch you can compete with friends, by challenging them to a 7-day tournament! A perfect way to express your competitive side. 

Stay Hydrated! 

You must bring water when exercising! Whether it’s a walk, run or gym class it’s vital to stay hydrated. When you work out, your body sweats and you lose fluids, it’s important to replace these with water or other liquids. 

So, if you want to think clearly, and accelerate your performance without having a banging headache, water is your best friend! However, don’t drink too much or that can lead to over-hydration, not cool. 

When exercising we advise avoiding cordials, soft drinks or juices as these are usually high in carbohydrates and stay away from sugary energy drinks…we know a Red Bull is tempting if you’re about to hit a killer leg day, but maybe swap that out for pre-workout! 

How To Fuel Your Workout 

Sometimes eating can seem like a chore, but eating before your workout is vital! According to the British Heart Foundation, if you’re exercising for more than an hour you should eat beforehand, but not too soon or you can get a stitch.

Carbohydrates are your main energy source, so the harder you train, the more carbs you need. This could be anything from rice, pasta, sweet potatoes, pulses and fruit and veg.

Protein is also essential for the repair of muscles and growth. If you can’t source this from food, other alternatives are available such as protein shakes and protein bars.

We’d recommend doing your own research based on your personal fitness goals to determine your diet and what type of protein powder you should take. We suggest MyProtein for some awesome student deals.