Tag Archives: workout

This new term can help your workout:

06 Wednesday Jan 2021

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Social facilitation. That’s the tendency to perform better when you know you’re being watched. And, according to sports psychologists, it’s why, when you run with a friend who’s a little fitter than you, you run faster. Or you try harder in an exercise class when the instructor is walking around the room, watching your moves. So, if you have trouble with motivation when you’re working out, it pays to exercise in a group or with a friend. Just remember: Social facilitation, and at the moment, social distancing too.

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Will I exercise today?

05 Thursday Nov 2020

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To boost the odds you’ll put on your sneakers and go for a run – or hit the gym, ask yourself: “Will I exercise today?” Doing that significantly boosts your chances of working out, according to the Journal of Consumer Psychology. That’s because asking yourself questions makes you more aware of your choices, and more likely to make healthier decisions. The same thing applies to asking, “Am I going to eat more chips?” Bottom line: People who questioned themselves about exercise and eating were more likely to cut calories and work out.

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How can you motivate yourself to workout when your willpower is at an all-time low?

02 Monday Nov 2020

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Change the way you think. Holly Rilinger is a master trainer for FlyWheel and Nike. And here’s her advice: It’s all about shifting your mindset. If you normally tell yourself “I don’t have enough time to work out,” try this, instead: “It’s not important enough to me to work out.” Rilinger says when you mentally disagree with that comment – and you will – it’ll boost your motivation. And you’ll be more likely to hit the gym.

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Do you get indigestion after a strenuous hike or jog?

01 Thursday Oct 2020

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You might want to cut the length and intensity of your workout. Because researchers found the stress of prolonged vigorous exercise can impair gut function. It’s called exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. And people who spent at least 2 continuous hours at 60% of their maximum intensity, slowed digestion and nutrient absorption, and even triggered endotoxemia, which can cause shock, hemorrhaging, and kidney damage. 

So, if you get indigestion after strenuous exercise, you might want to dial back the length and intensity of your workout.

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Don’t log on to Facebook or Instagram before your workout.

17 Thursday Sep 2020

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Because scrolling through all the pictures of your fabulous life can make you feel great! But, communications Science professor Dr. Catalina Toma says, there’s a downside. She says reliving all those fun times can make you feel like you don’t need to improve yourself, because your life is so wonderful, and you’ll be less likely to hit the gym. So hold off on browsing through your online life until after your workout.

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Is it okay to workout on an empty stomach OR right after you’ve eaten a big meal?

21 Tuesday Jul 2020

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Yes, as long as it doesn’t make you feel light-headed or nauseous. Sports nutritionist Brittany R. Allman says when we exercise on an empty stomach, our body burns stored carbs and fat, which can speed up weight loss. And exercising on a full stomach can speed digestion by helping move food from the stomach to the intestines. Still, we’re better off eating a maximum of 200 calories about an hour before a workout, that’s a combination of carbs for quick energy, and protein to help prevent muscle breakdown. Like a banana, and a couple tablespoons of peanut butter.

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If you’re on the treadmill, put your smartphone down!

09 Thursday Jul 2020

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According to the journal Computers in Human Behavior, texting or talking on your phone while walking lowers the intensity of your workout. Plus, it throws off your balance by as much as 45%! And that raises the risk of injury. So, if you’re working out, fire up your exercise playlist, then put your phone down.

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You don’t need to practice yoga to center yourself and be mindful.

24 Wednesday Jun 2020

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Try this mindfulness technique, no matter what type of exercise you enjoy. It comes from trainer Nora St. John: Every 5 minutes during your run, bike ride, or rowing session – take out your earbuds or pause your workout playlist, and tune into your breathing and body movement. Make sure nothing feels off or awkward, and correct it if it does. St. John says that will help you become a more efficient exerciser and help prevent injuries.

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Are you thinking of trying high-intensity interval training?

04 Tuesday Feb 2020

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If you’re thinking of trying high-intensity interval training, like Cross Fit or Orange Theory, be sure to listen to pumped-up workout music. You’ll enjoy it more! The University of British Columbia had exercisers new to interval training work out either WITH music – or without. The result: Those exercising with music enjoyed it more and were more likely to try it again, than those working out in silence. That meshes with previous research showing music can make exercise feel easier. So if you’re trying interval training to shape up in the New Year, be sure to include a great playlist. You’ll be more likely to stick with it.

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If you want to exercise more…

26 Thursday Sep 2019

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…don’t just tell yourself, “I’ve got to get to the gym.” Try this solution from the University of Arkansas: Put on your calendar the days of the week you’ll work out, the time, which workout you’ll do, and for how long… and the days you’ll rest.

In a study, people who did just that increased

the amount they exercised by 138% in one week!

Why does it work? Because it gives you a concrete plan – so you can schedule other things around it. That way, you can’t say, “Well, something came up, so I flaked on my workout.” It becomes an appointment. And we’re less likely to bail on a fixed appointment than some random “I’ll work out whenever” plan.

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