4 quick ways to simplify your workout

Would you like to make your exercise experience easier? Finding motivation to move can be challenging. In fact, for many, it’s one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of adherence to a wellness program.

We all know that exercise is essential for longevity, weight management, independence as we age, and an overall sense of well-being. But this knowledge isn’t always enough to fuel your fitness fire.

If you’re having difficulty dedicating time to working out, or need a little help maintaining exercise enthusiasm, here are the top four tricks to tackle your toning troubles:

Home base. A gym is a great place to get your sweat on. But packing a gym bag, driving to and from your destination, finding parking, checking in, and waiting for machines to open is time consuming. And this doesn’t even account for your actual workout time. By shifting your workout to the comfort and convenience of your home, which many of us have been doing for the last year, you’ve likely noticed how simple it is to complete a well-rounded fitness routine.

Keep fitness fresh. Boredom kills motivation. So if you’re engaging in the same, stale exercises every workout, you’re bound to burn out. Find fun ways to keep fitness stimulating. This is the key to securing program adherence and long-term success.

For example, if you practice your training drills indoors, try changing your environment by going outside. If running is your go-to, cycle or do a HIIT circuit for a change of pace. By keeping your mind and muscles guessing, they will grow stronger and exercise will become more enjoyable.

Redundant reps. There’s a reason counting sheep summons the sandman: It’s tedious and tiresome. If you’re in the habit of counting up as you complete each rep, revive your routine by counting down, instead. It’s a sneaky way to trick your mind into staying motivated as you carve digits from the total number you aim to achieve.

Think of counting up from one as being a lot like hauling yourself uphill on a bike. When you hit the peak and start to coast downhill, it’s less taxing and even fun. Your body will do what your brain tells it. Therefore, by playing this brain game, you’re more likely to rule your reps than run from them.

Make it quick. Exercise doesn’t need to be endless to be effective. In fact, shorter sessions can be far more advantageous because they allow for an all-out effort. By working harder for a shorter span of time, your lungs build better endurance and more calories are burned as your heart rate remains elevated throughout the entire workout.

Test out this short and sweet, total body strengthening circuit. Repeat the entire circuit three times. Ideally, rest breaks between exercises should be limited to 30 to 60 seconds (take more time, if necessary), with a two-minute break between sets.

Ashley Blake Greenblatt is a certified personal trainer and wellness coach in South Jersey. To learn more about her virtual training program, go to ashleyblakefitness.com.