In the past, my gym sessions were incredibly time-consuming. I would spend an average of two to two and a half hours at the gym every time I went. Following a program that incorporated numerous exercises in each session, it felt like my life was being consumed by my workouts.
However, I made a conscious decision to switch up my tactics and the results have been astounding. Now, my gym sessions have been significantly shortened to just about an hour, and it has greatly improved my overall quality of life.
On my rest days, I dedicate 15-30 minutes to mobility training, which enhances my flexibility and keeps my body in good shape. When it’s time for my gym days, I have a clear and focused routine. I arrive, warm up, perform three exercises (including warming up and choosing sets and reps), stretch, and then head home to shower.
It’s important to note that I am not training for competition. I simply exercise for the sake of maintaining good health and achieving my personal goals. Despite my shorter gym sessions, I have not noticed any significant decline in my progress.
If you’re searching for the perfect balance between fitness and personal time, I highly recommend opting for shorter gym sessions like I did. It’s a fantastic way to have your cake and eat it too. Furthermore, if you often find yourself skipping the gym because you want to engage in other activities, fear no more – you can now enjoy the best of both worlds. This revelation truly feels like a life hack and has transformed my everyday life like nothing else.
I understand that some people may already be aware of this strategy, and I apologize for assuming that it was a novel concept. However, I wanted to share my personal experience and its positive impact on my life, as it may inspire others who have not yet considered this approach.
For those curious about my previous lengthy gym routine, here is an example of a typical day:
1. Warm-up/activation (approximately 15 minutes):
– Laps of good mornings
– Banded hip lifts
– Lighter weight squats
2. Four laps of:
– 8 Dumbbell presses lying down
– 8/Arm dumbbell row
– 6-12 Deadbug
– Resting between each lap for 90-120 seconds
3. Three laps of:
– 8 Sumo deadlifts
– 5 Twists with barbell
– 5 Throws of weighted ball
– Resting between each lap
4. Three laps of:
– 8-12 Hyperextensions
– Static dip
– 30 Meter farmers walk
– Resting between each lap
After completing these exercises, I would take a moment to catch my breath before proceeding with a 10-15 minute stretching and mobility routine. While some individuals might be able to swiftly complete this program at a CrossFit pace, my preference for slow and controlled movements resulted in lengthy gym sessions.
In conclusion, shortening my gym sessions has been a game-changer for me. It has allowed me to efficiently incorporate fitness into my routine without sacrificing valuable time for other activities. If you’ve been hesitant to try this approach, I encourage you to give it a shot and experience the positive impact it can have on your own life. Share this article with your friends who may benefit from this enlightening perspective on optimizing gym sessions and reclaiming personal time.
