Finding time to workout regularly is hard enough, which is why making sure you’re getting the most out of every workout is crucial. Working out, especially strength training, not only makes you stronger, but also boosts your metabolism. A high metabolism can burn more calories at rest, which means exercising regularly will help you lose weight, even when you’re not trying! However, having a lackluster workout routine will defeat the purpose of any exercise you do, so it’s important to work out with intention.
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According to Jessica Mazzucco, a NYC certified fitness trainer and founder of The Glute Recruit, one of the biggest mistakes she sees clients making is not following proper form. “When you are lifting weights, running, doing yoga, etc, proper form is critical to ensure you get the results you want,” she says, “When you have improper form, you may be targeting unintended muscle groups or muscles.” Aside from that, improper form makes it difficult to fill your lungs with breath, which means your muscles won’t receive the necessary amount of nutrients to perform at your best.
Just as important as how you work out is what you do. While you should prioritize doing exercise you enjoy, as that’s the best way to ensure you’ll do it consistently, Mazzucco has a few recommendations for workouts that maximize calorie burn. “HIIT workouts have a higher calorie burn during and after than steady-state cardio,” she says, “You can also prioritize bigger compound exercises like barbell back squats or lat pull downs because they recruit a number of larger joints and muscles, which ups your body's demand during and after the workout.” Lifting heavier weights promotes afterburn because your body can take up to 38 hours to recover, so it continues to burn calories post-training.
Making sure you’re nurturing your muscles is the key to getting the most out of a workout. The stronger your muscles are, the better equipped they are to put work in and yield results. When it comes to drinks that can supplement your workout and help burn more calories, this mindset is important to apply as well.
Mazzucco’s recommendation for a drink that will aid in this process is surprisingly easy to get, and free! “Drinking water and being hydrated will enhance your performance,” she says, “Without an adequate supply of water, muscles will cramp, and your body will lack energy.” Drinking water after a workout, and throughout the day, is necessary for getting the most out of your workouts. Additionally, Mazzucco suggests adding Whey protein to your diet, as it supplies the muscles with the amino acids they need to grow and rebuild. This can be a helpful boost to make up for spots where your diet may lack.
Ultimately, healthy, strong muscles are the best way to burn calories even after exercising, and hydration is an important piece to that puzzle! This, combined with a diet rich in protein, vegetables, and a variety of nutrients, is the key to success in the gym and beyond.
