How to make the most of your workout

Whether it’s for general health, weight loss, stress relief or just to feel good, we all know how beneficial exercise can be.

Right now, you might be hoping to get to the gym more, tone or strengthen, or even challenge yourself to a running race. Whatever your goal, we’ve put together our best ways to nail your workout and meet your goals.

Make achievable goals and stick to them

It’s no use committing to a marathon which requires an onslaught of training when you only have a small few hours a week to spend exercising. Start small with your exercise goals and reward yourself with a treat like a massage when you meet them.

Get your mind on board

For some of us, getting in the right headspace to actually make it to the gym is the first step to improving your exercise regime. Meditation, breathing exercises or visualisation techniques can help you clear your mind and overcome any negative thoughts that might be stopping you from achieving your goals.

Set a routine

A consistent routine can help you to ensure you keep up your exercise regime. Choose a few activities, like jogging, swimming and yoga, and make a regular time every week to do them. Once you’ve gotten into the swing of this after a few weeks, they will become a habit which you will be able to maintain more easily. After that time, you can introduce new or more challenging activities to work towards your ultimate workout goals.

Take a buddy

Friends can be a helpful part of any workout regime, and not only for a chance to catch up on the latest goss! They’re a great motivation to help you get out of bed for that early start, and if you’re competitive, they might even push you further than you’d get if you only trained by yourself. Even if you're only able to workout online for a while, try teaming up with a mate on the same mission so you can egg each other on.

Fuel up

Be sure to give your body the fuel it needs to perform at its best by eating a healthy, balanced diet of lean protein, healthy fats, wholegrains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And, don’t forget to drink at least 2-3L of water a day, especially if you’re out training in the heat.

Try some magnesium

Magnesium can be a helpful supplement when working out to improve physical endurance and exercise performance, as well as to relieve any muscular cramps or spasms if you aren’t getting enough magnesium from your diet.

This mineral is involved in cellular energy production and can help to replenish your electrolyte balance by balancing out any magnesium lost when you’re really going for it and sweating lots.

When choosing a magnesium formula, look for one that contains magnesium in a highly absorbable form like magnesium glycinate for healthy muscle function.