While it’s true that to really get the effects of a workout that you need to push yourself to your limits, it’s also really important that you feel comfortable at the same time. If you feel uncomfortable then you’re more likely to skip going to the gym or popping in that fitness DVD. So where’s the balance? Let’s take a look at some ways of feeling more comfortable when you’re exercising so that you can hit your fitness goals faster.
Don’t workout with an injury
If you’ve injured yourself while working out, then you’re not going to be comfortable until that injury has resolved. Most people don’t realise how important rest days are between workout days, so make sure you don’t skip them so that any muscle related injuries have the chance to repair. If you think you’ve hurt yourself more seriously, speak to your Doctor for some advice on how to keep your fitness levels up while making sure your injury heals properly. It might be a case of working out other areas of your body or opting for a less intense kind of workout for the time being.
Get the right gear
Having the right gear is essential when it comes to maximising your workouts. Whether that’s a swimming costume that you don’t have to constantly adjust, or choosing second skin leggings for your yoga workout, you’ll feel more comfortable, which will enable you to get the most out of your sessions. Not only that, when you feel more comfortable you’re naturally more confident, meaning you won’t hesitate going to the gym or attending a fitness class.
Make sure you eat the right food
Another time that you might feel uncomfortable during a workout is because you haven’t eaten the right kind of food beforehand. Gorging out on foods high in fat and sugar or eating a very heavy meal simply won’t do you any favours. In fact, it may even make you vomit during your workout because of the strain you’re putting onto your muscles. Take some time to research the best foods to eat before a workout so that you’re comfortable and can maximise your efforts.
And hydrate yourself properly
It’s also important to make sure you’re properly hydrated before, during and after your workout. Not giving your body the hydration it needs won’t do you any favours, and you may even find that you’re not able to work your muscles as hard as you’d like to. Always carry a water bottle and top it up throughout the day to make sure you’re getting enough water.
Add music to the mix
Finally, some people don’t feel comfortable at the gym because they can overhear others talking or encouraging each other, or it might even be because they don’t like the music that the gym plays. Taking your own music, either on your phone or your iPod can not only drown others out but also help motivate you to push you to your limits! So the next time you go to the gym, why not create a playlist and see how much it helps you?