How to Maximize Your Workout

I have always held that, despite people's best efforts, most folks walk through the doors of the gym without a real plan, or at least one that will give them the best chance to find the exercise success they truly want. Some have little pieces of paper with the daily workout scribbled on it, done some time during lunch or while not listening during yet another budget meeting, or self-crafted charts with random numbers scrawled across the page. People also stroll onto the gym floor and meet up with a friend, someone with whom they can train, yet, more often than not, end up conversing more than actually pushing themselves. So, in an effort to avoid a wasted day at the gym, try on these two suggestions.

The Do:

Record all your sets, both weight and repetitions. If you keep a strict log of all your movements, as well as small reflective notes that describe how you felt during the activity, you'll be able to make the needed adjustments to insure that future workouts will be progressive. Having accurate records will give you the time to reflect on your goals, see your incremental success, and efficiently organize your efforts.

The Don't:

While many people train with partners, which is a great idea on the surface, not enough people actually select a person who fits best with their training style. To enlist a quality partner, don't just call your least fit buddy and suggest he get down to the local gym and start training with you. Instead, find a person who has a similar motivation and fitness level. Do not get with a person who is significantly stronger than you, as you'll spend more time changing weights than you will training. On the other hand, don't pick a person who is considerably weaker than you, as you'll basically serve as the trainer rather than a motivated participant. In the end, select carefully and your experience will be an excellent one.