The never-ending texts, changing up your music, taking 15 minutes to chat with your workout buddy – how often have you thought you killed an hour-long workout only to realize you didn’t actually push yourself? It happens to everyone because we tend to multitask during our workouts.
Multitasking can ruin a workout before you even start. You might feel like you’re investing time, but in reality, you might just be wasting it. If you want to get the most out of your workout, stop multitasking. If you really have to multitask, do it within your workout by super-setting with minimal rest between sets.
Adding distractions to your workout can prevent you from toning muscle and burning calories because it lets your heart rate drop back to its resting state (make sure you have your doctor’s approval before doing any strenuous exercise). To maximize your workout, you need to keep your heart rate elevated the whole time to burn the most calories.
This isn’t something made up. People often talk about the afterburn effect or EPOC, and it’s real. You can read more about it if you’re interested. I’ve even discussed it in TRAIN Mag before.
The main point is to avoid inefficient workouts that take forever to finish. Be efficient with your time, especially when you don’t have much to spare. Focus on your fitness. The shorter and more efficient your workouts, the more likely you are to stick with them.
It’s simple. Wouldn’t you prefer a 20-minute workout that gives you the same results as a 60-minute one filled with distractions? Shorter, focused workouts keep you motivated and get results. And results plus motivation is a powerful combo.
Try this the next time you work out at home. Instead of spending time setting up your phone for the perfect playlist, unplug and turn on the radio, leaving your phone in another room. Dedicate 20 minutes to a focused, intense workout. If leaving your phone behind is too difficult, choose one playlist and stick with it without constantly checking your phone.
Give it your all, stay undistracted. Once you finish, you can post about it on Instagram – selfies galore! But save that workout time for you. It’s your time to improve yourself, disconnect, and focus solely on your movements, your body, and getting stronger.
That’s the time to truly expand yourself. Give it a try.
If you need any help, reach out to us. We’re here to help you find your true path to health and happiness!