How to pace yourself in a workout
Here are my 4 tips on how to pace yourself during a fitness workout to ensure you go back.
We’ve all been there. Something tweaks inside that we’re not living the most healthiest or active lifestyle, and in a moment of sheer spontaneity we decide to get fit – and fast. We turn up to a class – like pilates, boot camp or spin – and go out hard too early and we wonder how we’ll make it to the end without collapsing in a heap. For some of us, an experience like this might make us toss exercise into the ‘too hard basket’.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re prepared for what’s about to come, and you’re kind to yourself, you’re already halfway to success.
Here are my 4 tips on how to pace yourself through that fitness workout.
- Arrive early and introduce yourself to the instructor if you’re new to the class or haven’t been in awhile. I know it’s tempting to arrive just on time and slink off to the back, but this won’t help. By saying hello to the instructor start, they’ll explain the format and know to offer different variations throughout the class to match your fitness level.
- Start off slow and work the intensity up gradually. Most workout session are geared this way. Know what moves might cause you grief and prepare to back off it becomes too intense. Remember, it’s your workout and no one knows your body better than you. Yes, they’ll be other (possibly younger, and fitter) persons smashing it beside you, but keep going at your own pace. Talking from experience, if you stick at, you’ll definitely surpass them at some stage!
- High five someone when it’s over. Really, I mean it. The feel good endorphins of your workout will have you on a high and it’s nice to pay it forward. Everyone has put in a 100% and it’s nice to recognise the efforts of others. That’s how building positive, happy communities start.
- Stay for wind down stretches. Refrain from dashing out the door. The last five minutes you spend stretching will do wonders for your body and help with your recovery for the next day.
Do you have any tips on getting through a workout successfully? Please share in the comments box below!
