Better Workouts 3: Quick Results
- More efficient training
- Simple ideas to get results
Gym workouts can be boring and that’s when it becomes completely counterproductive. On the other hand, knowing what to do and how to tinker with your routine will get you great results.
In this edition: Speed Relative to Time
Working out is ultimately about seeing results. Very few people would go to the gym, if any, were there no results associated with it. Gaining confidence, learning about yourself and a sense of achievement are all part of working out.
For many people who have never worked out, it’s easy to criticise those who do: often perceiving it as a vanity project. This is far from true; personally I’ve learned so much about myself from getting fit. Whether this is a new found determination to succeed when pushing my body to it’s limits, doing things I would never have thought possible or just having something positive to focus on when times are tough, it’s so much more than “getting in shape.”
It requires commitment to the cause. My marathon training lasted around 4 years and that was just for three marathons (although it soon became part of my life). I even started from a position of hating myself for doing it, as a side note that did pass quickly. From running 20 minutes a night in the cold, dark winter evenings of Aberdeen to running 26.2 miles there were highs, low and everything in between but it was all memorable.
It became something that I would enjoy doing. Contrary to many people’s schedule I would run last thing at night (hence why I’m a night owl) and it was something that I would always look forward too.
Often I would have a new running playlist to look forward to on my iPod (yes, remember those?)
Having a healthy crutch is essential for finding that motivation. It can be a small treat after working out, a cumulative treat meal or whatever gives you motivation.
Ultimately if you make the time, you will be rewarded. Results do not happen immediately and I advise being sceptical of anything that promises quick results (because it simply won’t happen unless you have sustainability, moderation and enjoyment). Sure, some things will accelerate your progress and that’s not necessarily just doing more and more. If it’s a change of lifestyle, especially coming to the new year, small steps are the key. Trying to do too much is the most common mistake when it comes to fitness.
If you don’t UNDERSTAND the WHAT is happening and the WHY behind it, you will never successfully be able to implement changes to your life. Being told what to do is far less powerful than learning as you go (and that’s why I developed the RYPT app). It’s about teaching you how to get fit so you don’t need me forever!
Having worked in fitness, it’s easy to see people who have a PT or fitness coach but never progress because they are doing the same prescribed workouts without ever learning anything. Knowledge is power and it certainly is the case here.
In a similar way to fitness gadgets and gizmos which promise the world but deliver nothing, it’s no doubt that they are so popular and successful at this time of year due to marketing. How long before these are consigned to the garage?
If it is perceived to take more effort than it’s worth (in terms of time and energy) and if you don’t see results immediately then it will never succeed. These products create an unrealistic expectation.
So be sensible and ask yourself HOW you want to get fit: quick and painful or slow and successful?
If you want more guidance / support on your workouts or training plan then get in contact with me for your trial of the RYPT app where you’ll be fully taken through a comprehensive beginner to intermediate training plan whereby you’ll be able comfortable training alone at the end of it.
Get every RYPT blog in one place, plus latest RYPT coaching offers now!
Ross Yeoman
RYPT Owner
