If you’ve sought out fitness advice via social media or the Internet at-large, you’ve probably found more than enough moves, routines, and tips to create your workout plan. And, while it may seem as though these fitness pros have all of the answers — thousands follow their Twitters, Instagram accounts, and blogs, after all — there’s no one-size-fits-all workout for everyone.
This is especially true when it comes to the suggested workouts you see online. Some of them require you to spend hours at the gym or buy hundreds of dollars worth of equipment. These may be effective plans, but it’s up in the air whether or not you’d like them. If you’ve tried a few of these intricate plans and had a less-than-enjoyable experience, a minimalistic routine might be better for you.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. You Can Avoid Injury
A complicated workout regimen will have you trying out moves you’ve never done before without the supervision of a professional. Sure, you can follow the online guide — you might even have an app on your smartphone telling you what to do, and when. But still, doing a completely foreign routine might make you more susceptible to injury.
Improper technique is one of the main causes of gym-related injury. You can certainly ease into your newfangled workouts to avoid injury, but sticking to the simpler lifts and routines you already know can help you protect your muscles from strains. And, it’s safe to say that an uninjured you is the happiest version of yourself.
2. You’ll Be More Productive — In More Ways Than One
Spending so much time in the gym to follow a complicated workout routine can throw a wrench in your daily schedule. You might also find yourself wasting time as you figure out the proper technique to use, how much weight you need, how to adjust the machines to fit you properly, etc.
A minimalistic workout will have you in and out of the gym more quickly because it’s easier to follow. You’ll be a more productive patron and more productive in your day, since you’ll be able to slip out of the gym quickly.
To that end, a good, effective workout has been shown to increase your productivity outside of the gym. You’ll feel more alert and more energetic for the rest of the day after you put in a solid workout, especially if you’ve followed a tough yet engaging workout that suits your skill level and exercise style. That’s sure to put a smile on your face.
3. You’ll Have a Better Quality Workout
Improperly performing a workout can lead to injury, as we previously mentioned. Even if you don’t get hurt, though, bad form can mean you’re not getting the most out of your workout.
There’s a reason why trainers and fitness class instructors are always shouting instructions to their trainees about proper posture and positioning: it ensures they’re getting effective workouts targeted at the right areas. A tight core, straight back, slightly bent knees… all of this helps keep your body structure as you workout so that you’re hitting the right areas and getting the results you want. Incorporating weird, new moves might prevent you from fully working yourself out.
4. You’ll Be More Consistent
There are so many ways to make sure you are consistent in working out: shorter, simpler workouts is just one of them. With consistent exercise, you’re more likely to feel the well-documented effects of exercise on your mood. And, with easier workouts to follow, you’re more likely to hit the gym and get it done.
There’s more than one way to achieve your fitness goals, as you know from your search for the right workout. But you may just find that simple is the way to go: you’re less prone to hurting yourself, more likely to be productive and consistent, and your properly performed moves will give you the results you want. All of that will make you a happier person — and that might be the best incentive of all for you to keep things simple.
Do you keep your workout routine simple? Or do you prefer new and elaborate moves?
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