The Anatomy of a Perfect Workout
What does the perfect workout look like to you? Does it make your joints invincible? Does it enhance your athletic performance? What about your quality of life? These are all things you can expect to gain if your workout contains the essential components we are about to share.
Does your schedule look like this?
Some arm exercises, maybe some legs, and to finish it all off, a few sets of various crunches. Mobility? Forget about it!
If so, it’s time for an upgrade!
See why most people approach their training completely backward, and then take it a step further and learn the secrets that run behind the scenes of a GymnasticBodies workout.
Here is where we give you the breakdown of what your perfect workout should look like.
A Perfect Workout Always includes a Warm-Up
Caution! A properly performed warm-up will lead to the following:
- Increased range of motion in your joints
- Improved athletic performance
- Reduced risk of sports injuries
Simplicity is key here, no need to get fancy. Start out by getting your heart pumping and your muscles warmed up. Jogging, jump roping, and jumping jacks are all great ways to get the job done.
Next, you stretch! Not a deep, relaxing stretch. More like a light, energizing stretch. This limber should leave you feeling supple like a sharp-toothed, ferocious leopard, ready to pounce on its prey. Now the only difference is… humans are not leopards. Not by a long shot!
And because you are not this agile yet powerful creature (yet), you will need to warm-up before you workout. No exceptions!
Your workout is only as good as your warm-up. So, learn to kick start your GB training the right way.
“Pre”paration is the Key to a Successful Workout
Warm-up: Complete!
Now it’s time to get down to business. This is when things get serious. It’s time to ramp up your nervous system and get those muscles firing on all cylinders.
This is what Coach Sommer coins as “pre-strength”, or physical preparation.
Think of it as a progressive increase in your training intensity to “pre”pare your body for the increasing demands of your workout.
A Perfect Workout is Tailored to You
Your workout depends on your fitness level and, more importantly, your experience in Gymnastic Strength TrainingTM. But one thing is for sure, you will leave no stones unturned in your training. That is, not if we have anything to do with it.
Your workout should aim to fit your individual needs. For example, if you are strong, but lack sufficient mobility, then a nice hearty dose of flexibility training is in order for you. On the other hand, if you are flexible, but lack the strength to support it then you will indefinitely benefit from strengthening your muscles and connective tissue to protect your joints.
When you piece your workout together, especially on your GymFit schedule, you need to recognize your weaknesses and include those in your new goals. Of course, also include what you enjoy most, so you're balancing both needs and enjoyment to keep both your body and your (figurative) heart happy.
Finish Strong and Cool-Down Smarter
Starting strong is the easy part. But finishing strong? That’s where it gets tough, unless you know how to do it the right way.
For starters, don't quit when it gets tough. Those last few reps are where you will find your biggest gains! Push through to the end of your planned workout.
With your heart rate elevated, you will need a proper cool-down, slowly returning to resting levels so that you can ensure proper recovery. While you are at it, why not also take advantage of the opportunity to increase your flexibility.
Not only is it easier, but by stretching immediately after your workout you will help return your muscles to a relaxed state. This promote fresh blood flow to circulate and flush the metabolic waste out of your body, resulting in improved strength, increased flexibility, and enhanced recovery. This ensures you’re ready to do it all over again tomorrow, which is super important since consistency is the secret to success!
The GB Online Courses provide you with the blueprint you need to create your perfect GymnasticBodies workout.