Whether you’re starting a new workout routine, revisiting your yoga practice, or finally dusting off your recumbent bike, refining your fitness approach can lead to better results. With so many exercise programs promising success, it’s important to choose the right strategy for your body and goals.
To help, eight fitness professionals share their top tips for improving your workouts and staying motivated.
Prioritize Mobility
Ackeem Emmons, a coach at interactive home gym system Tonal, stresses the importance of mobility—a lesson he learned after years of focusing only on strength and speed. Frequent injuries forced him to rethink his training, leading him to incorporate dynamic stretches and mobility exercises such as the “World’s Greatest Stretch” and scorpion stretch. Now, he sees mobility as key to avoiding injuries and maximizing strength gains.
Listen to Your Body—Not Just Your Fitness Tracker
Holistic movement coach Laura Thomas cautions against relying too much on fitness trackers. While devices provide useful data, they can’t account for fatigue, stress, or poor sleep. “Your Fitbit might say to do more cardio, but you know your body best,” she says. Instead, tune in to how you feel and adjust your workouts accordingly—whether that means pushing through or opting for yoga instead.
Stay Open to New Research and Training Styles
Kaleigh Ray, an exercise physiologist, warns against blindly following fitness trends. She once believed in minimalist running shoes but later reconsidered after learning about maximalist shoe benefits. Her advice? Blend different training techniques and be open to new evidence. “What works for you today might not be what you need in the future,” she says.
Start Small—Even Just Five Minutes
For busy schedules or low motivation days, Sarah Pelc Graca, a weight loss coach, suggests committing to just five minutes of movement. A short walk, stretching session, or weightlifting can often lead to a longer workout. “The hardest part is starting,” she explains.
Embrace Fitness as a Lifelong Journey
Personal trainer Tami Smith urges people to ditch the idea of fitness as a race to a finish line. “Your health journey has no end date,” she says. Sustainable habits, rather than quick fixes, lead to long-term success and less stress.
Don’t Fear Heavy Weights
Women, in particular, tend to avoid heavy weights due to concerns about getting “bulky,” says Michelle Porter, a personal trainer and yoga instructor. However, lifting heavier enhances muscle definition and overall strength. “Challenge your muscles, focus on form, and the results will come,” she advises.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Bill Camarda, owner of Limitless Fitness, learned that no matter how fit you are, there’s always someone stronger or faster. The key is to compete only with yourself. “Once I stopped comparing, I trained smarter and made better progress,” he says.
Find the Right Workout Soundtrack
Music, podcasts, or audiobooks can boost motivation and endurance, says trainer and podcast host Emily Abbate. Whether it’s upbeat music or an engaging podcast, the right soundtrack can help push through tough workouts.
By implementing these expert-backed strategies, you can optimize your workouts, stay consistent, and enjoy a more fulfilling fitness journey.
