Regardless of if you are a fitness novice or a trained professional, everyone hits plateaus with their exercise routines. The key to overcoming these challenges is to always find ways to keep your fitness plans moving at a steady pace. If you feel as if you are not hitting the next level, you may need to make some changes to your routine. Here are five ways that you can take your fitness game to the next level.
Set New Goals
The first step that you should take if you want to boost your workout potential is to set concrete goals. Be sure to begin with a realistic assessment of your current fitness level before deciding where you want to go next.
Your goals need to be specific and realistic. For example, simply saying that you want to run more is not a specific goal. However, having a goal of running a 10K within the next two months is a goal that is more specific. Having concrete goals will also make it much easier to track your progress. Put these goals in writing so that you hold yourself more accountable.
Work in Cross-Training
Some people get in a rut because they do not stray from the same workout routines. Doing the same exercises over and over again will inevitably cause you to plateau. The same repeated movements also increase your risk of overuse injuries.
Cross-training works in several different types of exercises into your fitness routine. Not only will you work out more muscle groups, but you will also strengthen areas of your body that may have been lying dormant. For example, runners may have strong leg muscles but they may need to do upper body exercises to build strength in the arms and shoulders. Cross-training will also help to reduce boredom and lower the risk of burnout, keeping you more motivated in the long run.
Boost Your Protein Intake
Protein is a vital component of sports performance. This nutrient boosts the body’s ability to store glycogen, promotes muscle recovery and repair, and reduces soreness. In order to reach all of your fitness goals, you need to be certain that you are taking in enough protein each day to support these objectives.
AstroFlav’s iso protein powder makes it easy to increase your protein intake. A variety of flavors offers something for every personal taste. You can blend the powder with water or milk or add it to a myriad of foods or baked goods. Up your diet today by including protein powder.
Choose the Right Gear
Many people just getting started in their fitness journey make the mistake of choosing style over comfort and utility when it comes to selecting their workout gear and accessories. The right footwear is particularly important in your endeavor to keep pushing yourself to the next level. This is not an area to skimp on. Runners will find it helpful to visit a specialty running store to ensure that you are fitted for the right shoe for your arch and gait.
What you wear on your body is also important. Dry-fit clothing that wicks away moisture is necessary if you are working out in hot weather. Thin and comfortable layers are ideal if running or exercising outside in cooler temperatures. Compression clothing is also useful to boost blood flow and speed recovery after a workout.
Make Time for Rest
It is easy to be gung-ho about your workouts when you are first getting started. This is particularly true if you are seeing immediate results. However, you will be remiss if you do not leave time for proper rest and recovery.
You run the risk of a serious injury if you do not give your body the opportunity to recover. This will only hurt your overall fitness levels in the long term. It is recommended to increase your workout intensity and duration gradually so that you do not risk injury. You should also alternate hard and easy workouts and take at least one day of complete rest each week.
Being intentional about going hard after your fitness goals will yield the best results. Having a plan in place will make it more likely that you reach all of your goals both now and in the future.